Words ending in -wise

I've come across with some word with this ending and I do not exactly what they mean. For example, pairwise or stepwise
Does this -wise ending have an special meaning ?

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by Masfer

I've come across with some word with this ending and I do not exactly what they mean. For example, pairwise or stepwise
Does this -wise ending have an special meaning ?

The suffix -wise has several meanings. It is added to a variety of words to make a new word.

Main Entry:-wise
Pronunciation:*w*z
Function:adverb combining form
Etymology:Middle English, from Old English -w*san, from w*se manner * more at 1WISE

1 a : in the manner of *crabwise* *fanwise* b : in the position or direction of *endwise* *slantwise* *clockwise*
2 : with regard to : in respect of *stylewise*