step function

noun

Definition of step function

: a mathematical function of a single real variable that remains constant within each of a series of adjacent intervals but changes in value from one interval to the next

Examples of step function in a Sentence

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There is no sudden step function by which our early primate ancestors turned into apes and those apes turned into humans. — David P. Barash, WSJ, "‘Becoming Human’ Review: The Defining Neediness of Humans," 11 Jan. 2019 Tilden said the company's earnings are under pressure from step function cost increases along with competitors adding capacity in Alaska's markets — primarily Delta Air Lines out of Seattle. — Author: Elwood Brehmer, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska Air Group nets $1 billion in 2017 as Virgin integration continues," 4 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'step function.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of step function was circa 1929

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