'incrementally-torn' originates from the combination of 'incremental' and 'torn'. 'Incremental' comes from the Latin word 'incrementum', meaning 'growth' or 'increase', and 'torn' is the past participle of 'tear', from Old English 'teran'.

'incremental' evolved from the Latin 'incrementum' through Middle English, while 'torn' has remained relatively unchanged from its Old English form 'teran'.

Initially, 'incremental' meant 'growth or increase', and 'torn' meant 'to pull apart'. Together, they describe a process of gradual tearing.