step change noun

A fundamental change

stepˈ-cut adjective

(of diamonds and other stones) cut in steplike facets

step dance noun

A dance involving an effective display of steps by an individual dancer

stepˈdancer noun

stepˈdancing noun

stepˈ-down noun

A decrease in rate, quantity, output, etc

adjective

1. Reducing voltage
2. Decreasing by stages

step fault noun (geology)

One of a series of parallel faults throwing in the same direction

step function noun (mathematics)

A function which makes an instant change in value from one constant value to another with an infinite number of harmonics present

stepˈ-in noun

A garment that is put on by being stepped into, esp one that needs no fastening (also adjective)

stepˈladder noun

A ladder with flat treads and a hinged prop

stepped-index fibre noun (telecommunications)

An optical fibre in which there is an abrupt transition from the higher refractive index of the information-bearing core to the lower refractive index of the cladding (cf graded-index fibre)

steppˈing-stone noun

1. A large stone in a shallow stream, etc stepped on to cross the stream, etc
2. A means to gradual progress (figurative)

step rocket noun

One made in sections operating successively and then discarded

step stone noun

A door step

stepˈ-up noun

An increase in rate, quantity, output, etc

adjective

1. Increasing or changing by steps
2. Raising voltage

break step

To change the sequence of right and left foot, so as to get out of step

in step

1. With simultaneous putting forward of the right (or left) feet in marching, etc (with others)
2. In conformity or agreement (with others)

keep step

To continue in step

out of step

1. Not in step
2. Not in conformity, at odds (with others)

step by step

Gradually, little by little

step down

1. To withdraw, retire, resign, from a position of authority, etc
2. To decrease the voltage of
3. To reduce the rate of

step in or step into

1. To enter easily or unexpectedly
2. To intervene (in)

step on

1. To put or press the foot down on
2. To crush or subdue

step on it (slang; see also under gas and juice)

To hurry

step out

1. To go out a little way
2. To increase the length of the step and so the speed
3. To have a busy social life

step out of line

To depart from the usual, or accepted, course of action

step short

To shorten the length of one's step

step up

1. To come forward
2. To build up into steps
3. To raise by a step or steps
4. To increase the voltage of
5. To increase the rate or level of

take steps

To take action

watch one's step

To go carefully, esp with a view to not giving offence or cause for complaint