in·cre·ment  (nkr-mnt, ng-)

n.

1. The process of increasing in number, size, quantity, or extent.

2. Something added or gained: a force swelled by increments from allied armies.

3. A slight, often barely perceptible augmentation.

4. One of a series of regular additions or contributions: accumulating a fund by increments.

5. Mathematics A small positive or negative change in the value of a variable.