Meaning & Definition of Phase in English

1. 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"

2. (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"

3. A particular point in the time of a cycle

• Measured from some arbitrary zero and expressed as an angle

4. (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"

1. Arrange in phases or stages

• "Phase a withdrawal"

2. Adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition

• "He phased the intake with the output of the machine"