stage

Main Entry:: ¹stage
Pronunciation:: \ˈstāj\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French estage abode, story of a building, state, from Vulgar Latin *staticum, from Latin stare to stand — more at stand
Date:: 14th century

1 a: one of a series of positions or stations one above the other : step b: the height of the surface of a river above an arbitrary zero point <flood stage>2 a (1): a raised platform (2): the part of a theater on which the acting takes place and which often includes the wings (3): the acting profession : the theater as an occupation or activity (4): soundstage b: a center of attention or scene of action3 a: a scaffold for workmen b: the small platform of a microscope on which an object is placed for examination4 a: a place of rest formerly provided for those traveling by stagecoach : station b: the distance between two stopping places on a road c: stagecoach5 a: a period or step in a process, activity, or development: as (1): one of the distinguishable periods of growth and development of a plant or animal <the larval stage of an insect> (2): a period or phase in the course of a disease ; also : the degree of involvement or severity of a disease b: one passing through a (specified) stage6: an element or part of an electronic device (as an amplifier)7: one of two or more sections of a rocket that have their own fuel and engine

— stage·ful

\-ˌfu̇l\ noun

— stage·like

\-ˌlīk\ adjective

— on the stage

: in or into the acting profession

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