gradient maker

1 definition found

gradient maker - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Gradient \Gra"di*ent\, n.
     1. The rate of regular or graded ascent or descent in a road;
        grade.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A part of a road which slopes upward or downward; a
        portion of a way not level; a grade.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. The rate of increase or decrease of a variable magnitude,
        or the curve which represents it; as, a thermometric
        gradient.
  
     4. (Chem., Biochem.) The variation of the concentration of a
        chemical substance in solution through some linear path;
        also called concentration gradient; -- usually measured in
        concentration units per unit distance. Concentration
        gradients are created naturally, e.g. by the diffusion of
        a substance from a point of high concentration toward
        regions of lower concentration within a body of liquid; in
        laboratory techniques they may be made artificially.
        [PJC]
  
     gradient maker (Biochem.) a device which creates a
        concentration gradient in a solution within some
        apparatus; -- used, e. g., for separation of biochemical
        substances.
        [PJC]
  
     Gradient post, a post or stake indicating by its height or
        by marks on it the grade of a railroad, highway, or
        embankment, etc., at that spot. Gradin