Meaning of 'phase'

noun

(astronomy) the particular appearance of a body's state of illumination (especially one of the recurring shapes of the part of Earth's moon that is illuminated by the sun)

Example: "the full phase of the moon"

noun

(physical chemistry) a distinct state of matter in a system

Example: "matter that is identical in chemical composition and physical state and separated from other material by the phase boundary"

Synonyms: form

noun

a particular point in the time of a cycle

Synonyms: phase angle

noun

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

Synonyms: stage

verb

adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition

Example: "We phased the intake with the output of the machine."

verb

arrange in phases or stages

Example: "phase a withdrawal"