step function
noun
: 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
Recent Examples on the Web
Something like the SpaceX Starship will be an important step function.
—
Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 24 Mar. 2023
The third question is the hard one: is our contribution to society or an addressable market or community a step function.
—Fortune Editors, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2022
Then, thinking about the World Cup in 2026 and what’s that going to do in terms of even a greater growth rate, a step function in some ways in terms of the consciousness of this country around the sport.
—Andy Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Jan. 2022
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, 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, 4 Feb. 2018
Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 24 Mar. 2023
The third question is the hard one: is our contribution to society or an addressable market or community a step function.
—Fortune Editors, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2022
Then, thinking about the World Cup in 2026 and what’s that going to do in terms of even a greater growth rate, a step function in some ways in terms of the consciousness of this country around the sport.
—Andy Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Jan. 2022
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, 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, 4 Feb. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'step function.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1929, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near step function
Cite this Entry
“Step function.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20function. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about step function
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