Small regular increases in quantity, value, or degree. Amounts by which something grows or is added in a series of steps.
From Latin 'incrementum' meaning 'growth' or 'increase,' derived from 'increscere' (to grow). The word entered English in the 15th century, initially used in mathematical and scientific contexts before expanding to general usage.
The concept of increments is fundamental to calculus - Leibniz and Newton both used infinitesimally small increments to develop their revolutionary mathematical framework. Modern software development has adopted this ancient mathematical principle in 'incremental development,' showing how mathematical concepts from centuries ago still shape our digital world.
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