ˈməltə̇ˌstāj adjective
Etymology: multi- + stage, n.
1. : having successive operating stages
multistage compressor
multistage pump
multistage turbine
specifically : having two or more propulsion units that operate in turn
multistage rocket
2. : conducted by stages
multistage amplification
multistage milling
a multistage investigation
multistage sampling