I saw the term used in a paper, but really cannot remember what it is and what it means. Forgot too much about those basic mathematic concepts...
Here is from wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gradient
Another is a Chinese website which helps a little: http://sxyd.sdut.edu.cn/gaoshu2/lesson/8.7fangxiangdaoshuyutidu.htm
Now it is time to see what it means in the paper...