Definition of "step-wise" []

• In the manner of steps; by regular ascent.

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "The company is developing a number of other drugs in this step-wise fashion, including one for psoriasis that also aims to treat an inflammatory disorder of the eye."
• "Special instructions: 9 today, hooray, hooray, for 14 across 24 across, Mr 24 down who appears step-wise in the grid from the middle of 14 down"
• "Indeed, 56% favor step-wise improvements, while 12% want one large health reform bill."