gradient

A slope or incline.

A rate of inclination or declination of a slope.

Of a function y = f(x) or the graph of such a function, the rate of change of y with respect to x that is, the amount by which y changes for a certain (often unit) change in x equivalently, the inclination to the X axis of the tangent to the curve of the graph.

Moving by steps; walking.

"gradient automata"

Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination.

"the gradient line of a railroad"

Adapted for walking, as the feet of certain birds.