feɪz n. & v. --n. 1 a
distinct period or
stage in a process of
change or
development. 2
each of
the aspects of the
moon or a
planet,
according to the
amount of
its illumination,
esp. the
new moon, the
first quarter, the last quarter,
and the full moon. 3
Physics a stage in a periodically recurring
sequence, esp. of alternating
electric currents or
light vibrations. 4 a
difficult or
unhappy period, esp. in adolescence. 5 a
genetic or
seasonal variety of an animal's
coloration etc. 6 Chem. a distinct and
homogeneous form of
matter separated by its
surface from other forms. --v.tr.
carry out (a
programme etc.) in phases or stages. øin phase having the
same phase at the same
time. out of phase
not in phase. phase in (or out)
bring gradually
into (or out of)
use. phase
rule Chem. a rule relating numbers of phases, constituents, and degrees of
freedom. three-phase (of an electric
generator,
motor, etc.) designed to supply or use simultaneously
three separate alternating currents of the same
voltage, but
with phases differing by a
third of a period. øøphasic adj. [F phase & f. earlier phasis f. Gk phasis
appearance f. phaino phanshow]
