phase

phase (http://definr.com/phase)

     n 1: (physical chemistry) a distinct state of matter in a system;
          matter that is identical in chemical composition and
          physical state and separated from other material by the
          phase boundary: "the reaction occurs in the liquid phase
          of the system" [syn: form]
     2: any distinct time period in a sequence of events; "we are in
        a transitional stage in which many former ideas must be
        revised or rejected" [syn: stage]
     3: a particular point in the time of a cycle; measured from
        some arbitrary zero and expressed as an angle [syn: {phase
        angle}]
     4: (astronomy) the particular appearance of a body's state of
        illumination (especially one of the recurring shapes of
        the part of Earth's moon that is illuminated by the sun);
        "the full phase of the moon"
     v 1: arrange in phases or stages: "phase a withdrawal"
     2: adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition; "he phased
        the intake with the output of the machine"