I. ˈfāz noun
Etymology: New Latin phasis, from Greek, appearance of a star, phase of the moon, from phainein to show (middle voice, to appear) — more at fancy
Date: circa 1750
1. : a particular appearance or state in a regularly recurring cycle of changes
phase s of the moon
2.
a. : a distinguishable part in a course, development, or cycle
the early phase s of her career
b. : an aspect or part (as of a problem) under consideration
3. : the point or stage in a period of uniform circular motion, harmonic motion, or the periodic changes of any magnitude varying according to a simple harmonic law to which the rotation, oscillation, or variation has advanced from its standard position or assumed instant of starting
4. : a homogeneous, physically distinct, and mechanically separable portion of matter present in a nonhomogeneous physicochemical system
5. : an individual or subgroup distinguishably different in appearance or behavior from the norm of the group to which it belongs ; also : the distinguishing peculiarity
• pha·sic ˈfā-zik adjective
•
- in phase
- out of phase
II. transitive verb
( phased ; phas·ing )
Date: 1904
1. : to adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition
2. : to conduct or carry out by planned phases
3. : to introduce in stages — usually used with in
phase in new models