The word tone is often used as the name of this interval; but there is
evident incongruity in using tone for indicating the interval between
tones. As the word scale is derived from the Italian scala, a ladder,
the intervals may well be called steps.
13. (Kinematics) A change of position effected by a motion of
translation. W. K. Clifford.
Back step, Half step, etc. See under Back, Half, etc. -- Step grate, a
form of grate for holding fuel, in which the bars rise above one
another in the manner of steps. -- To take steps, to take action; to
move in a matter.
Step-. [AS. steóp-; akin to OFries. stiap-, stiep-, D. & G. stief-,
OHG. stiuf- , Icel. stj&?;p-, Sw. styf-, and to AS. stpan, steópan, to
deprive, bereave, as children of their parents, OHG. stiufen.] A prefix
used before father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, child,
etc., to indicate that the person thus spoken of is not a blood
relative, but is a relative by the marriage of a parent; as, a
stepmother to X is the wife of the father of X, married by him after
the death of the mother of X. See Stepchild, Stepdaughter, Stepson,
etc.
Step"broth`er (?), n. A brother by the marriage of one's father with
the mother of another, or of one's mother with the father of another.
Step"child` (?), n. [AS. steópcild.] 1. A bereaved child; one who has
lost father or mother. [Obs.]