An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Math.:

A function f of a real variable defined on an interval [a,b] so that [a,b] can be divided into a finite number of sub-intervals on each of which f is a constant. The graph of a step function is a series of line segments resembling a set of steps.

Etymology (EN): Step, from M.E. steppen, O.E. steppan; cf. Du. stap, O.H.G. stapfo, Ger. stapfe “footprint;” → function.

Etymology (PE): Karyâ, → function; pellé “stair, step;” Mid.Pers. pylg “step,” pillagân “steps, staircase;” from *palak, from *padak, from pad-, → foot,

• relation suffix -ak.