WordNet
n. change in temperature as a function of distance (especially altitude)
Wikipedia
A temperature gradient is a physical quantity that describes in which direction and at what rate the temperature changes the most rapidly around a particular location. The temperature gradient is a dimensional quantity expressed in units of degrees (on a particular temperature scale) per unit length. The SI unit is kelvin per meter (K/m).
Temperature gradients in the atmosphere are important in the atmospheric sciences ( meteorology, climatology and related fields).
Usage examples of "temperature gradient".
Tracing my new forefinger across my right wrist, I can sense the individual pores, and there is a marked temperature gradient as I pass over tendon or vein.
Then it made routine measurements of the gravitational constant and the magnetic field and the temperature gradient.
It's not constant -- it's warmer at the bottom than the top, thus forming a temperature gradient.
If you look at Graph One you will find the temperature gradient of those first five samples.
When Uhura stepped inside, she could actually feel her cave juniper relax its tight, insulating grip on her as it adjusted to a more reasonable temperature gradient.
If the buoy was below the temperature gradient, the signals radiating upward would be unable to detect his submarine-probably.
He would try to keep his speed down except for a couple of rapid changes, especially if he could find a temperature gradient.
But for the record, the temperature gradient in the Houston Ship Channel, as recorded by satellite infra.
Synapo rolled out from under Sarco and drifted off to the left while climbing a temperature gradient to a slightly cooler stratum.
The submersible followed the temperature gradient, along and down the fissure.
And in the oceans, as the pole-to-equator temperature gradient flattened out, the circulation of the ocean slowed.
So he put a temperature gradient across the cage and let them make their own decisions.