Webster's English Dictionary

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phase

1. phase \'fa-z\ \'fa--zik\ n [NL phasis, fr. Gk, appearance of a star, 
   phase of the moon, fr. phain]ein to show (middle voice, to appear) - more 
   at FANCY 1: a particular appearance or state in a regularly recurring cycle 
   of chang es {~s of the moon} 2a: a stage or interval in a development or 
   cycle  2b: an aspect or part under consideration  3: the point or stage in 
   a period in uniform circular motion, harmonic moti on, or the periodic 
   changes of any magnitude varying according to a simple harmonic law to 
   which the rotation, oscillation, or variation has advanced considered in 
   its relation to a standard position or assumed instant of starting 4: a 
   homogeneous, physically distinct, and mechanically separable portion o f 
   matter present in a nonhomogeneous physical-chemical system 5: an 
   individual or subgroup distinguishably different in appearance or beh avior 
   from the norm of the group to which it belongs; also : the distinguishing 
   peculiarity one of the possible ways of viewing or being presented to view. 
   PHASE implies a change in appearance often without clear reference to an 
   observer; ASPECT may stress the point of view of an observer and its 
   limitation of what is seen or considered; SIDE stresses one of several 
   aspects from which something may be viewed; FACET implies one of a 
   multiplicity of sides each of which manifests the central quality of the 
   whole; ANGLE suggests an aspect seen from a very restricted or specific 
   point of view - pha.sic aj SYN syn PHASE, ASPECT, SIDE, FACET, ANGLE mean 
2. phase vt 1: to adjust so as to be in phase  2a: to conduct or carry out 
   by planned phases  2b: to schedule or contract for to be performed or 
   supplied as required  3: to introduce in stages {~ in new fighter models}