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
- to plan, introduce, or carry out in phases, or stages: often with in or into
- to put in phase