An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The amount by which a varying quantity increases between two of its stages. In → calculus, the Greek letter Δ (delta) is used to denote an increment; e.g. Δx is an increment of x, contrasted to → decrement.

Etymology (EN): Increment, from L. incrementum “growth, increase,” from stem of increscere “to grow in or upon” from → in- “in” + crescere “to grow.”

Etymology (PE): Fazâyé, from fazâ shortened present stem of afzudan “to add, increase” (Mid.Pers. abzudan “to increase, grow;” O.Pers. abijav- “to increase, add to, promote,” from abi-, aiby- “in addition to; to; against” + root jav- “press forward;” Av. gav- “to hasten, drive;” Skt. jav- “to press forward, impel quickly, excite,” javate “hastens”) + -y- euphonic infix + -é noun/nuance suffix.