phase
/feɪz/ noun B2- A distinguishable part of a sequence or cycle occurring over time.
- That which is exhibited to the eye; the appearance which anything manifests, especially any one among different and varying appearances of the same object.
- Any appearance or aspect of an object of mental apprehension or view. · The problem has many phases.
- 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. · the phases of the moon
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The period of play between consecutive breakdowns.
Plural phases
Phrasal verbs and expressions
From the library
“Speaking professionally, it was admirably done,” cried I, looking in amazement at this man who was forever confounding me with some new phase of his astuteness.
It was a new phase of his character to me, for I had never before seen him show any keen interest in natural objects.
She noted that her parents fundamentally misunderstood her fascination, assuming it was merely a fleeting and impractical adolescent phase.
They must systematically phase out exhibits featuring large, wide-ranging mammals, focusing instead on species that can genuinely thrive within the spatial limitations of an urban footprint.
Other matches
Learn phase in real texts
With a free account, hover any word in the library for its meaning, hear it read aloud, save words for review timed to your memory, and see how much of each book you already know.