phase
phase Lexical Profile
phase Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A distinct period or stage in a series of events or a process of change or development.
"The construction project has now entered its final phase."
Each of the recurring aspects of the moon or a planet, according to the amount of its illuminated surface that is visible from Earth.
"The students used a telescope to observe the crescent phase of the moon."
A physically distinctive form of matter, such as a solid, liquid, gas, or plasma, within a chemical or physical system.
"At the boiling point, water transitions from the liquid phase to the gas phase."
The relationship in time between the successive states or cycles of an oscillating or repeating system, such as an alternating electric current or a sound wave.
"When two sound waves are completely out of phase, they cancel each other out."
• verb
To carry out, introduce, or discontinue something in gradual stages (usually followed by "in" or "out").
"The company plans to phase the new software in over the next six months."
To adjust the phase of a wave or oscillating system so that it is synchronized with another.
"The engineers had to carefully phase the two transmitters to prevent signal interference."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse the verb "phase" (to carry out in gradual stages) with its homophone "faze" (to disturb, disconcert, or daunt someone).
• Rhymes for phase
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 19th century as a back-formation from the New Latin plural "phases," derived from Ancient Greek "phasis" (an appearance, especially of a star or the moon), from the root of "phainein" (to show or make appear).