Main entry: phase
Definition: (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)
Usage: the full phase of the moon
Definition: (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
Usage: the reaction occurs in the liquid phase of the system
Main entry: phase, phase angle
Definition: a particular point in the time of a cycle; measured from some arbitrary zero and expressed as an angle
Definition: any distinct time period in a sequence of events
Usage: we are in a transitional stage in which many former ideas must be revised or rejected
Main entry: phase
Definition: adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition
Usage: he phased the intake with the output of the machine
Main entry: phase
Definition: arrange in phases or stages
Usage: phase a withdrawal