| Phase (phase) |
|---|
| n. | (?) |
|---|
| Phase |
| ; pl.
Phases (#). [NL. phasis, Gr. (?), fr. (?) to
make to appear: cf. F. phase. See Phenomenon,
Phantom, and Emphasis.] |
That
which is exhibited to the eye; the appearance which anything
manifests, especially any one among different and varying appearances
of the same object.
Any appearance or aspect of an object of
mental apprehension or view; as, the problem has many
phases.
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.
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.
|
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.
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.
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 (phase) |
|---|
| v. t. | (?) |
|---|
| Phase |
| [Cf. Feeze.] |
To disturb the composure of; to disconcert; to nonplus.
|
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In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 