■ noun
1》 a point, period, or step in a process or development.
↘a section of a journey or race.
2》 a raised floor or platform on which actors, entertainers, or speakers perform.
↘( the ~ ) the acting or theatrical profession.
3》 a scene of action or forum of debate.
4》 a floor of a building.
5》 each of two or more sections of a rocket or spacecraft that are jettisoned in turn when their propellant is exhausted.
6》 Electronics a part of a circuit containing a single amplifying transistor or valve.
7》 a raised plate on a microscope on which a slide or specimen is placed for examination.
8》 Geology a range of strata corresponding to an age in time, forming a subdivision of a series.
9》 historical a ~coach.
■ verb
1》 present a performance of (a play or other show).
↘organize and participate in (a public event).
↘cause (something dramatic or unexpected) to happen.
2》 Medicine assign (a disease or patient) to a ~ in a process.
Phrases
hold the ~ dominate a scene of action or forum of debate.
set the ~ for prepare the conditions for.
~ left (or right ) on the left (or right) side of a ~ from the point of view of a performer facing the audience.
Derivatives
~ability noun
~able adjective
Origin
ME: shortening of OFr. e~ 'dwelling', based on L. stare 'to stand'.