step-down

[ step-doun ]

adjective

, Electricity.

1. serving to reduce or decrease voltage:

   a step-down transformer.

step down

verb

1. tr to reduce gradually
2. informal.
   intr to resign or abdicate (from a position)
3. informal.
   intr to assume an inferior or less senior position

adjective

1. (of a transformer) reducing a high voltage applied to the primary winding to a lower voltage on the secondary winding Compare step up
2. decreasing or falling by stages

noun

1. informal.
   a decrease in quantity or size

Word History and Origins

Origin of step-down¹

First recorded in 1890–95; adj. use of verb phrase step down

Example Sentences

The first choice, a step-down facility with enhanced services for those leaving locked care, was quickly ruled out.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, among a series of funding packages, the NHS was given £200m to create "step-down" wards for those awaiting a care package to start or for home adaptions to be made.

From BBC

The treatment beds range from detox to step-down care for people leaving long-term care.

From Seattle Times

It was her fourth such stay, and the first one the county had agreed should be followed by a step-down program, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Central bank meetings loom in Australia and New Zealand next week, and markets have priced a pause for Australia and step-down in pace to a 25 basis point hike for New Zealand.

From Reuters

Related Words

• abandon
• abdicate
• bow out
• drop out
• leave
• quit
• retire
• terminate