Definition

Noun: A temperature gradient is the rate of change of temperature with respect to distance in a particular direction. It describes how quickly the temperature increases or decreases over a given space, such as with height in the atmosphere, depth in the ocean, or across a material.

Examples of Usage

• The temperature gradient in the atmosphere is crucial for predicting weather patterns.
• Engineers must consider the temperature gradient across the metal component to prevent thermal stress.
• A steep temperature gradient exists near the sun's surface.

Advanced Usage

• "To have/possess a steep/sharp temperature gradient": Describes a situation where the temperature changes very rapidly over a short distance.
  • The region possesses a very sharp temperature gradient, causing strong winds.
• "To measure/calculate the temperature gradient": Refers to the act of determining this rate of change.
  • Scientists calculated the temperature gradient in the soil to understand heat flow.

Variants and Related Words

• Gradient (n): More general term for a rate of change of any variable (e.g., pressure, concentration) with distance.
• Thermal gradient (n): A synonym often used in engineering and physics contexts.

Synonyms

• Thermal gradient
• Rate of temperature change

Related Phrases

• Lapse rate: A specific type of temperature gradient describing the rate at which atmospheric temperature decreases with an increase in altitude.
• Heat flux: The flow of energy per unit area, which is directly related to the temperature gradient in a material.

Noun

1. change in temperature as a function of distance (especially altitude)