'stepwise-updated' originates from the combination of 'stepwise' and 'updated', where 'stepwise' means 'in a series of steps' and 'updated' means 'made more modern or current'.

The term 'stepwise' comes from the Old English 'stēap' meaning 'step', and 'updated' is derived from the Latin 'up' meaning 'up' and 'date' from 'datum', meaning 'given'.

Initially, 'stepwise' meant 'in steps', and 'updated' meant 'made current'. Together, they convey the idea of updating in a gradual manner.