increment

noun

in·​cre·​ment ˈiŋ-krə-mənt How to pronounce increment (audio)
ˈin-
1
: the amount or degree by which something changes
especially : the amount of positive or negative change in the value of one or more of a set of variables
2
a
: one of a series of regular consecutive additions
b
: a minute increase in quantity
c
: something gained or added
3
: the action or process of increasing especially in quantity or value : enlargement

Did you know?

Increment is used in many technical fields, but also nontechnically. Incremental increases in drug dosages are used for experimental purposes. Incremental tax increases are easier to swallow than sudden large increases. Incremental changes of any kind may be hard to notice, but can be very significant in the long run. Rome wasn't built in a day, but was instead built up by increments from a couple of villages in the 10th century B.C. to the capital of the Mediterranean world in the 1st century A.D.

Examples of increment in a Sentence

They increased the dosage of the drug in small increments over a period of several weeks. Fines increase in increments of $10. The volume is adjustable in 10 equal increments.
Recent Examples on the Web While videos have already featured quarter-speed options (1x, 1.25x, 1.5x, and so on), the update will allow for adjustments in 0.05 increments. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2024 Playback speeds are particularly popular among podcast listeners, who may prefer to speed up the video slightly to take in the conversation more quickly, and the new product will be customizable to 0.05 increments. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Oct. 2024 The latest: Final repaving started on Sept. 30 in three- to four-block increments and is expected to wrap up by mid-October, ahead of an Oct. 26 celebration. Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024 The jailhouse calls, some 20 hours worth, came in 15-minute increments from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, Calif. Emily Palmer, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for increment 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'increment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin incrementum, from increscere to increase

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of increment was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near increment

Cite this Entry

“Increment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/increment. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

increment

noun
in·​cre·​ment ˈiŋ-krə-mənt How to pronounce increment (audio)
ˈin-
1
: a growth especially in quantity or value : increase
2
a
: something gained or added
b
: one of a series of additions
incremental
ˌiŋ-krə-ˈment-ᵊl
ˌin-
adjective

Medical Definition

increment

noun
in·​cre·​ment ˈiŋ-krə-mənt, ˈin- How to pronounce increment (audio)
1
a
: something gained or added
the most common form of leukocytosis is that in which the increment is in the neutrophilic leukocytesW. A. D. Anderson
b
: one of a series of regular consecutive additions (as of growth or spread of disease)
2
: the amount or degree by which something changes
especially : the amount of positive or negative change in the value of one or more of a set of variables
incremental adjective
incrementally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on increment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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