phase

Dictionary definition · phase

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"
(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"
a particular point in the time of a cycle; measured from some arbitrary zero and expressed as an angle
(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"

arrange in phases or stages"phase a withdrawal"
adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition"he phased the intake with the output of the machine"

Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).