Definitions for: Phase


[n] (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"
[n] a particular point in the time of a cycle; measured from some arbitrary zero and expressed as an angle
[n] 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"
[n] (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"
[v] adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition; "he phased the intake with the output of the machine"
[v] arrange in phases or stages; "phase a withdrawal"



Webster (1913) Definition: Phase, n.
1. (Phys. Chem.) A homogenous, physically distinct portion of
matter in a system not homogeneous; as, the three phases,
ice, water, and aqueous vapor. A phase may be either a
single chemical substance or a mixture, as of gases.

2. (Zo["o]l.) 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.

3. (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 beb four right
angles, or 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.


Phase, v. t. [Cf. Feeze.]
To disturb the composure of; to disconcert; to nonplus.
[Colloq.]


Phase, n.; pl. Phases. [NL. phasis, Gr. ?, fr. ? 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.

2. Any appearance or aspect of an object of mental
apprehension or view; as, the problem has many phases.

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.

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.

Synonyms: form, phase angle, stage

See Also: anal phase, anal stage, apogee, appearance, arrange, bring about, chapter, culmination, cycle, diakinesis, diplotene, dispersed particles, dispersed phase, dispersing medium, dispersing phase, dispersion medium, fertile period, fertile phase, generation, genital phase, genital stage, incubation, latency period, latency phase, latency stage, leptotene, luteal phase, menstrual phase, oral phase, oral stage, pachytene, period, period of time, phallic phase, phallic stage, phase of cell division, phase of the moon, point, point in time, rhythm, round, safe period, secretory phase, seedtime, stage, state, state of matter, sync, synchronise, synchronize, time period, visual aspect, zygotene

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