Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense phases, present participle phasing, past tense, past participle phased
1. countable noun
A phase is a particular stage in a process or in the gradual development of something.
This autumn, 6000 residents will participate in the first phase of the project. [+ of]
The crisis is entering a crucial, critical phase.
Most kids will go through a phase of being faddy about what they eat. [+ of]
Synonyms: stage, time, state, point More Synonyms of phase
2. verb [usually passive]
If an action or change is phasedover a period of time, it is done in stages.
The redundancies will be phased over two years. [beVERB-ed]
He wants military commanders to plan a phased withdrawal starting at the end of theyear. [VERB-ed]
3.
See in phase/out of phase
Phrasal verbs:
See phase in
See phase out
phase in British English
(feɪz)
noun
1.
any distinct or characteristic period or stage in a sequence of events or chain of development
there were two phases to the resolution
his immaturity was a passing phase
2. astronomy
one of the recurring shapes of the portion of the moon or an inferior planet illuminated by the sun
the new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter are the four principal phasesof the moon
3. physics
a.
the fraction of a cycle of a periodic quantity that has been completed at a specific reference time, expressed as an angle
b.
(as modifier)
a phase shift
4. physics
a particular stage in a periodic process or phenomenon
5. in phase
6. out of phase
7. chemistry
a distinct state of matter characterized by homogeneous composition and properties and the possession of a clearly defined boundary
8. zoology
a variation in the normal form of an animal, esp a colour variation, brought about by seasonal or geographical change
9. biology(usually in combination)
a stage in mitosis or meiosis
prophase
metaphase
10. electrical engineering
one of the circuits in a system in which there are two or more alternating voltages displaced by equal amounts in phase (sense 5)
See also polyphase (sense 1)
11.
(in systemic grammar) the type of correspondence that exists between the predicators in a clause that has two or more predicators; for example connection by to, as in I managed to do it, or -ing, as in we heard him singing
verb(transitive)
12. (often passive)
to execute, arrange, or introduce gradually or in stages
a phased withdrawal
13. (sometimes foll by with)
to cause (a part, process, etc) to function or coincide with (another part, process, etc)
he tried to phase the intake and output of the machine
he phased the intake with the output
14. mainly US
to arrange (processes, goods, etc) to be supplied or executed when required
Derived forms
phaseless (ˈphaseless)
adjective
phasic (ˈphasic) or phaseal (ˈphaseal)
adjective
Word origin
C19: from New Latin phases, pl of phasis, from Greek: aspect; related to Greek phainein to show
phase in American English1
(feɪz)
noun
1.
any of the recurrent stages of variation in the illumination and apparent shape of a moon or a planet
2.
any of the stages or forms in any series or cycle of changes, as in development
3.
any of the ways in which something may be observed, considered, or presented; aspect; side; part
a problem with many phases
4. Chemistry
a solid, liquid, or gaseous homogeneous form existing as a distinct part in a heterogeneous system
ice is a phase of H2O
5. Physics
the fractional part of a cycle through which an oscillation, as of light or sound waves, has advanced, measured from an arbitrary starting point
6. Zoology
any of the characteristic variations in color of the skin, fur, plumage, etc. of an animal, according to season, age, etc.
verb transitiveWord forms: phased or ˈphasing
7.
to plan, introduce, or carry out in phases, or stages
often with in or into
8.
to put in phase
verb intransitive
9.
to move by phases
Idioms:
in (or out of) phase
phase out
SYNONYMY NOTE: phase1 applies to any of the ways in which something may be observed, considered, or presented,and often refers to a stage in development or in a cycle of changes [the phases of the moon]; aspect emphasizes the appearance of a thing as seen or considered from a particular pointof view [to consider a problem from all aspects]; facet literally or figuratively applies to any of the faces of a many-sided thing [the facets of a diamond, a personality, etc.]; angle1 suggests a specific aspect seen from a point of view sharply limited in scope, or,sometimes, an aspect seen only by a sharply acute observer [he knows all the angles]
Derived forms
phasic (ˈphasic) (ˈfeɪzɪk)
adjective
Word origin
ModL phasis < Gr < phainesthai, to appear, akin to phainein: see fantasy
phase in American English2
(feɪz)
US
verb transitiveWord forms: phased or ˈphasing
Disputed
faze
phase in Chemical Engineering
(feɪz)
Word forms: (regular plural) phases
noun
(Chemical Engineering: General)
A phase is a substance which has a particular physical state, either a solid, liquid, orgas, and a particular chemical composition.
When heated at certain pressures, some solids vaporize directly without passing throughthe liquid phase.
Solvent extraction is the transfer of a soluble material from a solid phase to a liquid solvent.
A phase is a substance which has a particular physical state, either a solid, liquid, orgas, and a particular chemical composition.
phase diagram
phase in Mechanical Engineering
(feɪz)
Word forms: (regular plural) phases
noun
(Mechanical engineering: Energy, thermodynamics and heat transfer)
A phase of a substance is whether it is a solid, liquid, or gas, and its chemical compositionat a particular time.
A phase change (liquid to solid) is involved when water freezes.
The working fluid is in its liquid phase at this point.
A phase of a substance is whether it is a solid, liquid, or gas, and its chemical compositionat a particular time.
phase in the Oil and Gas Industry
(feɪz)
Word forms: (regular plural) phases
noun
(Extractive engineering: General, Operations)
A phase is a substance which has a particular physical state, either a solid, liquid, orgas, and a particular chemical composition.
The fluid is usually a liquid, but there are solid and liquid suspensions occurringin a gaseous phase.
Petroleum is a naturally occurring complex mixture composed predominantly of hydrocarbonsin a gaseous, liquid or solid phase.
A phase is a substance which has a particular physical state, either a solid, liquid, orgas, and a particular chemical composition.
vapor phase
phase in Electrical Engineering
(feɪz)
Word forms: (regular plural) phases
noun
(Electrical engineering: General)
A phase is one of the circuits in a system in which there are two or more alternating voltagesdisplaced by equal amounts in phase.
In many situations only a single phase is needed to supply street lights or residential consumers.
Unbalanced three-phase circuits are indicated by abnormally high currents in one or more of the phases.
A phase is one of the circuits in a system in which there are two or more alternating voltagesdisplaced by equal amounts in phase.
phase difference, single-phase, three-phase
COBUILD Collocations
phase
critical phase
final phase
growth phase
knockout phase
next phase
Examples of 'phase' in a sentence
phase
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…
China is in the early phases of this cycle.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Hundreds of jobs were cut in the first phase of the restructuring.
The Sun (2016)
At the end of next month its accessories hall will open in the first of three phases.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
More than 90 per cent of the plots in phase one have already been sold.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
In phase one of her premiership, such reticence was undoubtedly an advantage.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The ICT project review will feed into two overlapping phases.
Computing (2010)
That lasted for four days. Then came phase two.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Exeter dug in in the face of pressure in the first half, at one stage repelling 18 phases on their line.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
At the second attempt, I made it into phase one of army training.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The changes would be phased in gradually over the next few years.
Christianity Today (2000)
The process normally goes through two distinct phases.
Al Ries and Laura Ries THE 22 IMMUTABLE LAWS OF BRANDING (2002)
This means they will be phased in over time.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The battle for position now entered its crucial phase.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Inner dials denote the phases of the moon and sun.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This would be a phasing from one airport to the other.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Output rose quickly as a first phase of processing capacity was built.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
We are embroiled in a critical phase for the future of the sport.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We will do this cardio in two phases.
The Sun (2016)
You can get around this by phasing withdrawals.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The new laws were to be introduced in three phases.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
These are the bleak outlines of the next phase of the crisis.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Why not phase in change based on contribution years?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The first phase should be completed in the middle of the next decade.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The curve can be divided into three distinct phases.
Tom Cannon Basic Marketing. Principles and Practice (1986)
And now we enter a crucial phase for him.
The Sun (2015)
He kept time by observing the phases of the moon.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
We are going to cycle through the phases over a six-week period.
The Sun (2011)
It's common for relationships to have a rocky phase at this stage.
The Sun (2013)
Thus the existing, appointed membership of the chamber would be phased out gradually.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It's now time for phase three.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
For investors with a reasonable term left before their retirement or other financial objective, a gradual phasing away from equities can make more sense.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The pilot will consist of three phases each about five to six weeks, including a short period within each phase to enable assessment of user feedback.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
A gradual, phased introduction will allow time for people to factor the additional cost of energy in to their budgets and adapt their consumption patterns as necessary.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
In other languages
phase
British English: phase NOUN
A phase is a particular stage in a process or in the gradual development of something.
This autumn, 6000 residents will participate in the first phase of the project.
American English: phase
Brazilian Portuguese: fase
Chinese: 阶段
European Spanish: fase
French: phase
German: Phase
Italian: fase
Japanese: 段階
Korean: 단계
European Portuguese: fase
Latin American Spanish: fase
Translate your text for free
All related terms of 'phase'
in phase
(of two waveforms ) reaching corresponding phases at the same time
phase in
If a new way of doing something is phased in , it is introduced gradually.
phase out
If something is phased out , people gradually stop using it.
two-phase
(of an electrical circuit , device, etc) generating or using two alternating voltages of the same frequency , displaced in phase by 90°
color phase
a variant , atypical coloration of fur , feathers , skin, etc. occurring in an individual or an animal group
final phase
A phase is a particular stage in a process or in the gradual development of something.
next phase
A phase is a particular stage in a process or in the gradual development of something.
phase rule
the principle that in any system in equilibrium the number of degrees of freedom is equal to the number of components less the number of phases plus two
phase speed
the speed at which the phase of a wave is propagated , the product of the frequency times the wavelength . This is the quantity that is determined by methods using interference . In a dispersive medium it differs from the group speed
three-phase
(of an electrical system, circuit , or device) having, generating , or using three alternating voltages of the same frequency , displaced in phase by 120°
vapor phase
In its vapor phase a substance can be condensed to a liquid or to a solid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature .
colour phase
a seasonal change in the coloration of some animals
growth phase
A phase is a particular stage in a process or in the gradual development of something.
luteal phase
a stage of the menstrual cycle , lasting about two weeks , from ovulation to the beginning of the next menstrual flow
phase diagram
A phase diagram is a drawing which shows the phases that exist for a particular range of temperature , pressure, volume , and chemical composition .
quarter-phase
→ two-phase
single-phase
(of a system, circuit , or device ) having, generating , or using a single alternating voltage
critical phase
A phase is a particular stage in a process or in the gradual development of something.
knockout phase
A phase is a particular stage in a process or in the gradual development of something.
out of phase
(of two waveforms ) not in phase
phase-switching
a technique used in radio interferometry in which the signal from one of the two antennae is periodically reversed in phase before being multiplied by the signal from the other antenna
follicular phase
a stage of the menstrual cycle , from onset of menstruation to ovulation
phase difference
the difference between two sinusoidally varying quantities that have the same frequency , measured either as an angle or a time
phase modulation
a type of modulation , used in communication systems, in which the phase of a radio carrier wave is varied by an amount proportional to the instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal
phase shift keying
phase shift keying : a digital data modulation system in which binary data signals switch the phase of a radio frequency carrier
phasedown
a steady and progressive diminution
in phase/out of phase
If two things are out of phase with each other, they are not working or happening together as they should. If two things are in phase , they are working or occurring together as they should.
balanced three-phase
A balanced three-phase voltage or current is one in which the size of each phase is the same, and the phase angles of the three phases differ from each other by 120 degrees .
wave speed
the speed at which the phase of a wave is propagated , the product of the frequency times the wavelength . This is the quantity that is determined by methods using interference . In a dispersive medium it differs from the group speed
in (or out of) phase
in (or not in) a state of exactly parallel movements, oscillations , etc.; in (or not in) synchronization
phase-contrast microscope
a microscope that makes visible details of colourless transparent objects. It employs a method of illumination such that small differences of refractive index of the materials in the object cause differences of luminous intensity by interference
phaseout
a phasing out; gradual termination or withdrawal
Chinese translation of 'phase'
phase
(feɪz)
n(c)
阶(階)段 (jiēduàn) (个(個), gè)
vt
[action, change]分阶(階)段进(進)行 (fēn jiēduàn jìnxíng)
(noun)
Definition
any distinct or characteristic stage in a sequence of events
The crisis is entering a crucial phase.
Synonyms
stage
the final stage of the tour
time
It seemed like a good time to tell her.
state
point
At this point, Diana arrived.
position
He's going to be in a difficult position if things go badly.
step
Aristotle took the scientific approach a step further.
development
condition
The government has to encourage people to better their condition.
period
a period of a few months
chapter
It was one of the most dramatic chapters of recent British politics.
aspect
juncture
We're at a critical juncture.
Phrasal verbs
See phase something in
See phase something out
Additional synonyms
in the sense of chapter
Definition
a period in a life or history
It was one of the most dramatic chapters of recent British politics.
Synonyms
period,
time,
stage,
phase,
clause
in the sense of condition
Definition
a particular state of being
The government has to encourage people to better their condition.
Synonyms
situation,
state,
position,
status,
circumstances,
plight,
status quo,
case,
predicament
in the sense of juncture
Definition
a point in time, esp. a critical one
We're at a critical juncture.
Synonyms
moment,
time,
point,
crisis,
occasion,
emergency,
strait,
contingency,
predicament,
crux,
exigency,
conjuncture
Synonyms of 'phase'
phase
Explore 'phase' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of period
Definition
a portion of time
a period of a few months
Synonyms
time,
term,
season,
space,
run,
stretch,
spell,
phase,
patch (British, informal),
interval,
span
in the sense of point
Definition
a moment
At this point, Diana arrived.
Synonyms
moment,
time,
stage,
period,
phase,
instant,
juncture,
moment in time,
very minute
in the sense of position
He's going to be in a difficult position if things go badly.
Synonyms
situation,
state,
condition,
set of circumstances,
plight,
strait(s),
predicament
in the sense of step
Definition
a degree or rank in a series or scale
Aristotle took the scientific approach a step further.