stepping

English

Etymology

From Middle English steppynge; equivalent to step +‎ -ing.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈstɛpɪŋ/
• Hyphenation: step‧ping

Verb

stepping

1. present participle and gerund of step

Noun

stepping (countable and uncountable, plural steppings)

1. The act of taking a step.
   • 2005, Miriandra Rota, Pathways and Parables for a Changing World, page 263:

     In the steppings of my feet, you are always my mother.

2. (computing) A specific iteration of a model of central processing unit, often distinguished by the addition or removal of features compared to earlier examples of the same processor, or the presence, or lack thereof, of specific bugs.

   The 80386's early steppings have quite a lot of bugs, so some software specifically tests to make sure that the processor isn't one of those old versions.

3. An African-American form of dance in which the performer's entire body is used as an instrument to produce complex rhythms and sounds through footsteps, spoken word, and clapping.

Derived terms

• rake-stepping
• stepping motor
• stepping razor
• stepping stone
• stepping switch

Middle English

Noun

stepping

1. Alternative form of steppynge