1 used to describe a change from a musical note to the note that is next to it in a scale (= a series of notes):
The method involves the use of a cooling device for stepwise decrease of the temperature.
Oxygen flow was adjusted in a stepwise fashion to decrease the oxygen content from 21% to 16% to 12% to 8%.
His drift away from the religion of his birth was stepwise and slow.
Since stepwise movement is common in most types of music, the practising of scales forms a basic part of an instrumentalist's training.
The song's stepwise melody is deceptively complex.
In common with Part's other music, it has stepwise modulations and an emphasis on cyclic, thematic repetition.
When significant tumor regression occurred, the medication was eventually decreased stepwise.
