/stair"step'/ , n. , v. , stairstepped, stairstepping , adj.
n.
1. a step in a staircase.
2. stairsteps , stairs; a staircase.
3. a person or thing whose position, status, behavior, or the like suggests the shape or rise of the steps in a staircase: Their six children are stairsteps ranging from ages two to twelve.
v.i.
4. to occur or move in a regular pattern suggesting the steps of a staircase: housing units stairstepping down the hill to the edge of the lake.
adj.
5. suggesting or resembling the steps of a staircase, as in movement or shape: stairstep progress in improved appliance sales.
Also, stair-step .
[ 1825-35; STAIR + STEP ]