steppingstone
[ step-ing-stohn ]
/ ˈstɛp ɪŋˌstoʊn /
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noun
a stone, or one of a line of stones, in shallow water, a marshy place, or the like, that is stepped on in crossing.
a stone for use in mounting or ascending.
any means or stage of advancement or improvement: She looked on the governorship as a steppingstone to the presidency.
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Origin of steppingstone
Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325
Words nearby steppingstone
stepped-up, Steppenwolf, stepper, Steppes, stepping-off place, steppingstone, step rocket, stepsibling, stepsister, stepson, stepstool
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for steppingstone
Yet, scientists say, those failures are often crucial steppingstones toward a better understanding of the disease and eventual treatments.
Besides being a steppingstone to diabetes, prediabetes raises a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke.
For those with prediabetes, dropping four to six pounds can cut the risk of getting diabetes|Linda Searing|November 23, 2020|Washington PostThe there-and-back-again mission was a crucial steppingstone for the company on its path to sending a manned craft into the ether.
11 Cool Facts About SpaceX: Dragon, Microsoft, Investments & More|Matthew DeLuca|May 23, 2012|DAILY BEASTThe ships going out of port were such a steppingstone to him, and a vague consciousness came back to him of having been in a ship.
A Simpleton|Charles Reade
British Dictionary definitions for steppingstone
stepping stone
noun
one of a series of stones acting as footrests for crossing streams, marshes, etc
a circumstance that assists progress towards some goal
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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