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step function

American  

noun

Mathematics.

  1. a function that is constant on each of a finite set of subintervals of its domain, the union of the subintervals being the domain.

step function British  

noun

  1. an electrical waveform that rises or falls instantly from one level to another

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of step function

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“For AI to to see the step function change in productivity, there has to be a benefit to the end user.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 7, 2026

That’s autonomy and that’s the key step function value.

From The Verge • Mar. 2, 2021

If you decide that you want more power and flexibility while filming, the Inspire feels like the perfect second unit, a step function that will open up new horizons.

From The Verge • Feb. 10, 2015

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.