passage

(păsˈĭj)

1. The act or process of passing, especially:
   a. A movement from one place to another, as by going by, through, over, or across; transit or migration.
   b. The process of elapsing: the passage of time.
   c. The process of passing from one condition or stage to another; transition: the passage from childhood to adulthood.
   d. Enactment into law of a legislative measure.
2. A journey, especially one by air or water: a rough passage on the stormy sea.
3. The right to travel as a passenger, especially on a ship: book passage; pay for one's passage.
4. The right, permission, or power to come and go freely: Only medical supply trucks were granted safe passage through enemy territory.
5. a. A path, channel, or duct through, over, or along which something may pass: the nasal passages.
   b. A corridor. See Synonyms at way.
6. a. An occurrence or event: “Another encouraging passage took place . . . when heads of state . . . took note of the extraneous factors affecting their economies that are beyond their control” (Helen Kitchen).
   b. Something, such as an exchange of words or blows, that occurs between two persons: a passage at arms.
7. a. A segment of a written work or speech: a celebrated passage from Shakespeare.
   b. Music A segment of a composition, especially one that demonstrates the virtuousity of the composer or performer: a passage of exquisite beauty, played to perfection.
   c. A section of a painting or other piece of artwork; a detail.
8. Physiology An act of emptying, as of the bowels.
9. Biology The process of passing or maintaining a group of microorganisms or cells through a series of hosts or cultures.
10. Obsolete Death.

(păsˈĭj, pə-säzhˈ)