phaser
phaser Lexical Profile
phaser Game Scores & Validity
• noun
In science fiction, a fictional directed-energy weapon that fires a beam or pulse of subatomic particles, typically adjustable from a non-lethal stun setting to complete disintegration.
"In the classic science fiction episode, the captain instructed the away team to set their phasers to stun before exploring the planet."
An electronic audio signal processor used in music production and guitar pedals that filters a sound wave by creating a series of peaks and troughs in the frequency spectrum, producing a sweeping, swirling effect.
"The guitarist engaged a vintage analog phaser during the solo to give the chords a lush, swirling texture."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'phaser' with 'fazer' or the verb 'faze' (meaning to disturb or disconcert).
• Rhymes for phaser
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the 1960s, initially popularized by the television series Star Trek as a blend of 'photon' and 'maser' (or formed directly from 'phase' + '-er'), and shortly thereafter adopted in audio engineering for phase-shifting sound effects.