Meaning

A distinguishable part of a sequence or cycle occurring over time..

Definitions by Sense

1. A distinguishable part of a sequence or cycle occurring over time.
2. That which is exhibited to the eye; the appearance which anything manifests, especially any one among different and varying appearances of the same object.
3. Any appearance or aspect of an object of mental apprehension or view.
4. (astronomy) A particular appearance or state in a regularly recurring cycle of changes with respect to quantity of illumination or form, or the absence, of a body's illuminated disk. Illustrated in Wikipedia's article Lunar phase.
5. (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.
6. (chemistry) A component in a material system that is distinguished by chemical composition and/or physical state (solid, liquid or gas) and/or crystal structure. It is delineated from an adjoining phase by an abrupt change in one or more of those conditions.
7. (zoology) In certain organisms, one of two or more colour variations characteristic of the species, but independent of the ordinary seasonal and sexual differences, and often also of age.
8. (rugby union) The period of play between consecutive breakdowns.

Example Sentences

It would have been a simple enough move to warn the firm, but Max Carrados's interest lay in the phase of crime rather than in forestalling it, and on that score he had little tangible as yet […]

The problem has many phases.

the phases of the moon

When Romania did manage to string together some phases midway through the first half, England's discipline held firm, although on the whole it was a less focused display from the Six Nations champions in the second half.

The use of the obsolete machines was gradually phased out as the new models were phased in.

Anyone who has lost their way in cyberspace—realizing they have just phased into what they had previously categorized as 'solid' matter—will understand this example.

Archer took a deep breath and, steeling himself for the bizarre experience, carefully walked to the bulkhead and phased through.

Intangible or invisible objects in comic books are often drawn with a dotted line. When Kitty Pryde of the X-Men phases through objects, she's drawn that way, and Wonder Woman's invisible plan[sic] used to be drawn that way as well.

Word Forms

• phases
• phasing
• phased
• Phase

Synonyms for phase

Related Words

When Should You Use Phase?

Use phase when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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