phase

phase

noun \ˈfāz\

Definition of PHASE

1

: a particular appearance or state in a regularly recurring cycle of changes

2

: a distinguishable part in a course, development, or cycle <the early phases of a disease>

3

: a point or stage in the period of a periodic motion or process (as a light wave or a vibration) in relation to an arbitrary reference or starting point in the period

4

: a homogeneous, physically distinct, and mechanically separable portion of matter present in a nonhomogeneous physicochemical system; especially : one of the fundamental states of matter usually considered to include the solid, liquid, and gaseous forms

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