What is the meaning of phase?

noun

• Any distinct time period in a sequence of events.
  • usage: "we are in a transitional stage in which many former ideas must be revised or rejected"
  • synonyms: stage
• 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)
  • usage: "the reaction occurs in the liquid phase of the system"
  • synonyms: form
• A particular point in the time of a cycle; measured from some arbitrary zero and expressed as an angle.
  • synonyms: phase 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. ()
  • usage: "the full phase of the moon"

verb

• Arrange in phases or stages.
  • usage: "phase a withdrawal"
• Adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition.
  • usage: "he phased the intake with the output of the machine"