phase

To phase is to do something gradually over a period of time.

(verb)

An example of phase is when you gradually introduce a new product or you phase in the new product over a few years.

The definition of a phase is a distinct period of time in something's development.

(noun)

An example of a phase is the final part of a multiple part landscaping project.
An example of a phase is when you can the various shapes of the moon.
An example of phase is a period of time during which you are a teenager when you fight with your parents all the time.

See phase in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

any of the recurrent stages of variation in the illumination and apparent shape of a moon or a planet
any of the stages or forms in any series or cycle of changes, as in development
any of the ways in which something may be observed, considered, or presented; aspect; side; part: a problem with many phases
Chem. a solid, liquid, or gaseous homogeneous form existing as a distinct part in a heterogeneous system: ice is a phase of HO
Physics the fractional part of a cycle through which an oscillation, as of light or sound waves, has advanced, measured from an arbitrary starting point
Zool. any of the characteristic variations in color of the skin, fur, plumage, etc. of an animal, according to season, age, etc.

Origin: ModL phasis < Gr < phainesthai, to appear, akin to phainein: see fantasy

transitive verb phased, phasing

intransitive verb

to move by phases

Related Forms:

☆

transitive verb phased, phasing

faze

See phase in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A distinct stage of development: “The American occupation of Japan fell into three successive phases” (Edwin O. Reischauer).
A temporary manner, attitude, or pattern of behavior: just a passing phase.
An aspect; a part: every phase of the operation.
Astronomy One of the cyclically recurring apparent forms of the moon or a planet.
Physics
a. A particular stage in a periodic process or phenomenon.
b. The fraction of a complete cycle elapsed as measured from a specified reference point and often expressed as an angle.
Chemistry
a. Any of the forms or states, solid, liquid, gas, or plasma, in which matter can exist, depending on temperature and pressure.
b. A discrete homogeneous part of a material system that is mechanically separable from the rest, as is ice from water.
Biology A characteristic form, appearance, or stage of development that occurs in a cycle or that distinguishes some individuals of a group: the white color phase of a weasel; the swarming phase of locusts.