Phase (?), v. t. [Cf. Feeze.]
To disturb the composure of; to disconcert; to nonplus. [Colloq.]
Phase (?), n.
1. (Phys. Chem.) A homogenous, physically
distinct portion of matter in
a system not homogeneous; as, the three
phases, ice, water, and aqueous vapor. A phase may be
either a single chemical substance or a mixture, as
of gases.
2.
(Zoöl.) In certain birds and mammals, one of two or more color
variations characteristic of the species, but independent of the ordinary seasonal and sexual differences, and often also of
age. Some of
the herons which appear in white and colored phases, and certain squirrels which are sometimes uniformly blackish instead of the usual coloration, furnish
examples. Color phases occur
also in other animals, notably in butterflies.
3.
(Elec.) The relation at any instant of a periodically varying electric magnitude, as electro-motive force, a current, etc., to its initial value as expressed in factorial parts of the complete cycle. It is
usually expressed in angular
measure, the cycle beb four right angles, or 360°. Such periodic variations are generally well represented by sine curves; and phase relations are shown by
the relative positions of the crests and hollows of such curves. Magnitudes which have the same
phase are said to be in phase.
Phase (?), n.;
pl. Phases (#). [NL. phasis, Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to make to appear: cf. F. phase. See Phenomenon, Phantom, and Emphasis.]
1. That which is
exhibited to the eye; the appearance which anything manifests, especially any one among different and varying appearances of the same object.
2. Any appearance or aspect of
an object of mental apprehension or view; as, the
problem has many phases.
3.
(Astron.) A particular appearance
or state in
a regularly recurring cycle of changes with respect to quantity of illumination or form of
enlightened disk; as, the phases of the moon or
planets. See Illust. under Moon.
4. (Physics) Any one point
or portion in a recurring series of changes, as in the changes
of motion of one of the particles constituting a wave or vibration; one portion of a
series of such changes, in distinction from a contrasted portion, as the portion on one side of a position of
equilibrium, in contrast with that on the opposite side.
Hear it pronounced