Collins English-English Dictionary

phase [feɪz]

1. 1. n any distinct or characteristic period or stage in a sequence of events or chain of development

   there were two phases to the resolution

   his immaturity was a passing phase

2. 2. n [astronomy] one of the recurring shapes of the portion of the moon or an inferior planet illuminated by the sun

   the new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter are the four principal phases of the moon

3. 3. n

4. 4. n [physics] the fraction of a cycle of a periodic quantity that has been completed at a specific reference time, expressed as an angle

5. 5. n (as modifier)

   a phase shift

6. 6. n [physics] a particular stage in a periodic process or phenomenon

7. 7. n [chem] a distinct state of matter characterized by homogeneous composition and properties and the possession of a clearly defined boundary

8. 8. n [zoology] a variation in the normal form of an animal, esp a colour variation, brought about by seasonal or geographical change

9. 9. n [biology] [usually in combination] a stage in mitosis or meiosis

   prophase

   metaphase

10. 10. n [electrical engineering] one of the circuits in a system in which there are two or more alternating voltages displaced by equal amounts in phase (sense 5) - See also polyphase

11. 11. n (in systemic grammar) the type of correspondence that exists between the predicators in a clause that has two or more predicators; for example connection by to, as in I managed to do it, or -ing, as in we heard him singing

12. 12. vt. [tr] [often passive] to execute, arrange, or introduce gradually or in stages

    a phased withdrawal

13. 13. vt. [sometimes foll by with] to cause (a part, process, etc) to function or coincide with (another part, process, etc)

    he tried to phase the intake and output of the machine

    he phased the intake with the output

14. 14. vt. [chiefly US] to arrange (processes, goods, etc) to be supplied or executed when required

15. 15. vt. [Etymology] C19: from New Latin phases, pl of phasis, from Greek: aspect; related to Greek phainein to show