step n. & v. --n. 1 a
the complete movement of
one leg in
walking or
running (took a step forward). b the
distance covered by
this. 2 a
unit of movement in dancing. 3 a
measure taken,
esp. one of
several in a
course of
action (took steps to
prevent it; considered it a wise step). 4 a a
surface on
which a
foot is placed on ascending or descending a
stair or
tread. b a
block of
stone or
other platform before a
door,
altar, etc. c the rung of a
ladder. d a
notch cut for a foot in ice-climbing. e a platform etc. in a
vehicle provided for stepping up or down. 5 a
short distance (only a step
from my door). 6 the
sound or mark
made by a foot in walking etc. (heard a step on the stairs). 7 the
manner of walking etc. as
seen or heard (know
her by her step). 8 a a
degree in the scale of promotion,
advancement, or
precedence. b one of a
series of fixed points on a payscale etc. 9 a stepping (or
not stepping) in
time with others or
music (esp. in or
out of step). b the
state of conforming to
what others are
doing (refuses to
keep step with the team). 10 (in pl.) (also
pair of steps sing.) =
STEPLADDER. 11 esp. US Mus. a
melodic interval of one degree of the scale, i.e. a
tone or
semitone. 12 Naut. a block,
socket, or platform supporting a mast. --v. (stepped, stepping) 1 intr.
lift and set down one's foot or
alternate feet in walking. 2 intr.
come or go in a specified
direction by stepping. 3 intr.
make progress in a specified
way (stepped
into a
new job). 4 tr. (foll. by
off, out) measure (distance) by stepping. 5 tr.
perform (a dance). 6 tr. Naut. set up (a mast) in a step. øin a person's steps
following a person's
example.
mind (or watch) one's step be
careful. step by step gradually; cautiously; by stages or degrees. step-cut (of a gem) cut in
straight facets
round the
centre. step down 1
resign from a
position etc. 2 Electr.
decrease (voltage) by using a
transformer. step in 1
enter a
room,
house, etc. 2 a
intervene to
help or hinder. b
act as a
substitute for an
indisposed colleague etc. step-in attrib.adj. (of a garment) put on by
being stepped into
without unfastening. --n.
such a
garment. step it
dance. step on it (or on the
gas etc.) colloq. 1
accelerate a
motor vehicle. 2
hurry up. step out 1 leave a room, house, etc. 2 be
active socially. 3
take large steps. stepping-stone 1 a raised stone, usu. one of a set in a
stream,
muddy place,
etc., to help in
crossing. 2 a
means or
stage of progress to an
end. step this way a
deferential formula meaning 'follow me'. step up 1
increase,
intensify (must step up production). 2 Electr. increase (voltage) using a transformer.
turn one's steps go in a specified direction. øøsteplike adj. stepped adj. stepwise adv. & adj. [OE
stópe, stepe (n.), stóppan, steppan (v.), f. Gmc]