ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English
1.
a. : a stone on which to step in walking (as in crossing a stream)
b. : a raised stone for facilitating an ascent or descent ; specifically : horse block
2. : a means of progress or advancement
the law was a stepping-stone to a career in politics — G.S.Bryan
3. : a place for a break in or as if in a journey
this stepping-stone for airborne supplies on their way to far-flung fronts below the equator — Howell Walker