'Phase' definitions:
Definition of 'phase'
From: WordNet
noun
Any distinct time period in a sequence of events; "we are in a transitional stage in which many former ideas must be revised or rejected" [syn: phase, stage]
noun
(physical chemistry) a distinct state of matter in a system; matter that is identical in chemical composition and physical state and separated from other material by the phase boundary; "the reaction occurs in the liquid phase of the system" [syn: phase, form]
noun
A particular point in the time of a cycle; measured from some arbitrary zero and expressed as an angle [syn: phase, phase angle]
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); "the full phase of the moon"
verb
Arrange in phases or stages; "phase a withdrawal"
verb
Adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition; "he phased the intake with the output of the machine"
Definition of 'Phase'
From: GCIDE
Definition of 'Phase'
From: GCIDE
- Phase \Phase\ (f[=a]z), n.; pl. Phases (f[=a]z"[e^]z). [NL. phasis, Gr. fa`sis, fr. fai`nein to make to appear: cf. F. phase. See Phenomenon, Phantom, and Emphasis.]
- 1. That which is exhibited to the eye; the appearance which anything manifests, especially any one among different and varying appearances of the same object. [1913 Webster]
- 2. Any appearance or aspect of an object of mental apprehension or view; as, the problem has many phases. [1913 Webster]
- 3. (Astron.) A particular appearance or state in a regularly recurring cycle of changes with respect to quantity of illumination or form of enlightened disk; as, the phases of the moon or planets. See Illust. under Moon. [1913 Webster]
- 4. (Physics) Any one point or portion in a recurring series of changes, as in the changes of motion of one of the particles constituting a wave or vibration; one portion of a series of such changes, in distinction from a contrasted portion, as the portion on one side of a position of equilibrium, in contrast with that on the opposite side. [1913 Webster]
- 5. (Phys. Chem.) A homogenous, physically distinct portion of matter in a system not homogeneous; as, the three phases, ice, water, and aqueous vapor; in a mixture of gasoline and water, the gasoline will settle as the upper phase. A phase may be either a single chemical substance or a mixture, as of gases. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
- 6. (Zool.) In certain birds and mammals, one of two or more color variations characteristic of the species, but independent of the ordinary seasonal and sexual differences, and often also of age. Some of the herons which appear in white and colored phases, and certain squirrels which are sometimes uniformly blackish instead of the usual coloration, furnish examples. Color phases occur also in other animals, notably in butterflies. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
- 7. (Physics) the relation at any instant of any cyclically varying physical quantity, such as voltage in an A.C. circuit, an electromagnetic wave, a sound wave, or a rotating object, to its initial value as expressed as a fractional part of the complete cycle. It is usually expressed in angular measure, the complete cycle being 360[deg]. Such periodic variations are generally well represented by sine curves; and phase relations are shown by the relative positions of the crests and hollows of such curves. Magnitudes which have the same phase are said to be in phase.
- Note: The concept of phase is also applied generally to any periodically varying phenomenon, as the cycle of daylight. One person who sleeps during the day and another who sleeps at night may be said to be out of phase with each other. [PJC]
- 8. Specifically: (Elec.) The relation at any instant of a periodically varying electric magnitude, as electro-motive force, a current, etc., to its initial value as expressed in factorial parts of the complete cycle. It is usually expressed in angular measure, the cycle being four right angles, or 360[deg]. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Synonyms of 'phase'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- angle,
- appearance,
- aspect,
- color,
- complexion,
- condition,
- configuration,
- development,
- discontinue,
- ease off,
- effect,
- eidolon,
- end,
- facet,
- fashion,
- feature,
- figure,
- form,
- gestalt,
- guise,
- hand,
- image,
- imago,
- impression,
- include,
- incorporate,
- inject,
- insert,
- insinuate,
- juncture,
- light,
- likeness,
- lineaments,
- look,
- manner,
- moment,
- occasion,
- period,
- phase in,
- phase out,
- phasis,
- point of view,
- position,
- posture,
- reference,
- regard,
- remove,
- respect,
- seeming,
- semblance,
- shape,
- side,
- simulacrum,
- situation,
- slant,
- stage,
- state,
- status,
- step,
- style,
- taper off,
- time,
- total effect,
- twist,
- usher in,
- view,
- viewpoint,
- wind up,
- wise,
- withdraw,
- work in
Words containing 'Phase'
- Phase in,
- Phase out,
- Phases,
- Phasing,
- out of phase,
- phase i,
- Phase angle,
- Phase converter,
- Phase displacement,
- Phase meter,
- Phase of vibration,
- Phase rule,
- Phase splitter,
- Phase splitting,
- Phasing current,
- Phasing transformer,
- anal phase,
- dispersed phase,
- dispersing phase,
- fertile phase,
- genital phase,
- latency phase,
- luteal phase,
- menstrual phase,
- oral phase,
- phallic phase,
- phase change,
- phase ii,
- phase iii,
- phase iv,
- phase modulation,
- phase of the moon,
- phase space,
- phase transition,
- phase-out,
- preclinical phase,
- secretory phase,
- Two-phase,
- full phase of the moon,
- new phase of the moon,
- phase i clinical trial,
- phase of cell division,
- phase ii clinical trial,
- phase iii clinical trial,
- phase iv clinical trial