| 释义 |
ˈstep-up, a. and n.
[f. vbl. phr. to step up: see step v. 29.]
A. attrib. or as adj.
1. Causing or pertaining to an increase in voltage.
1893Sloane Electr. Dict., Step-up adj., the reverse of step-down. 1903C. H. Sewall Wireless Telegr. iv. 149 The transmitter of the DeForest system uses..a step-up transformer to increase the voltage. 1947R. Lee Electronic Transformers & Circuits v. 142 Input Transformer,..Step-up ratio 1:20. Ibid. 188 If the transformer is step-up, C1 = [etc.]. 1977Gramophone Oct. 744/2 A particular criticism levelled towards moving-coil cartridges is that their output is so low as to require a step-up transformer.
2. Furnished with a step to a higher level. Also, of a room with such a feature.
1958J. Myerscough Procession of Lancs. Martyrs & Confessors xix. 260 A typical example of the ‘step-up’ chapel provided for Catholics in the days of persecution may be seen..in Alston Lane, Grimsargh. 1979Arizona Daily Star 5 Aug. (Advt. Section) 13/1, 2 bdrms., 2 full baths, step-up dining area.
B. n.
1. An increase in rate or quantity; an intensification.
1922Glazebrook Dict. Appl. Physics II. 889/1 The amplifying action of a valve is usually more a question of potential step-up than of ratio of power output to power input. 1944Times 26 May 2/1 We should probably finish the war with very nearly the same step-up in engine power over the present war period as occurred between 1914–18. 1972Newsweek 10 Jan. 14/3 Coupled with the increasingly hard line adopted by both negotiating teams in recent weeks, the step-up in the air war might even jeopardize the continuation of the talks themselves.
2. Chiefly pl. A step taken on to a platform (such as a bench, etc.) and back again, repeated as a fitness exercise.
1973Observer 7 Oct. 28/1 A middle-aged actor keeping his paunch at bay with weights and interminable step-ups. 1978Kingston (Ontario) Whig-Standard 15 July 15/2 Stations 5–9 include such exercises as..chin-ups and step-ups. |