phase in

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phase

(fāz)

1. A distinct stage of development: "The American occupation of Japan fell into three successive phases" (Edwin O. Reischauer).

2. A temporary manner, attitude, or pattern of behavior: just a passing phase.

3. An aspect; a part: We must reconsider every phase of the operation.

4. Astronomy

a. One of the cyclically recurring apparent shapes of the visibly illuminated portion of the moon or a planet.

b. The relative configuration, measured in angular units such as degrees or radians, of two orbiting bodies that periodically eclipse.

5. Physics

a. A particular stage in a periodic process or phenomenon.

b. The fraction of a complete cycle elapsed as measured from a specified reference point and often expressed as an angle.

6. Chemistry

a. Any of the forms or states, solid, liquid, gas, or plasma, in which matter can exist, depending on temperature and pressure.

b. A discrete homogeneous part of a material system that is mechanically separable from the rest, as is ice from water.

7. Biology A characteristic form, appearance, or stage of development that occurs in a cycle or that distinguishes some individuals of a group: the white color phase of a weasel; the swarming phase of locusts.

tr.v. phased, phas·ing, phas·es

1. To plan or carry out systematically by phases.

2. To set or regulate so as to be synchronized.

Phrasal Verbs:

phase in

To introduce, one stage at a time.

phase out

To bring or come to an end, one stage at a time.

Idioms:

in phase

In a correlated or synchronized way.

out of phase

In an unsynchronized or uncorrelated way.

[Back-formation from New Latin phasēs, phases of the moon, from Greek phaseis, pl. of phasis, appearance, from phainein, to show; see bhā- in Indo-European roots.]

pha′sic (fā′zĭk) adj.

phase in

(tr, adverb) to introduce in a gradual or cautious manner: the legislation will be phased in over two years.

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Verb

phase in - introduce gradually

innovate, introduce - bring something new to an environment; "A new word processor was introduced"

phase out - terminate gradually

Translations

w>phase in

vt sep → allmählich einführen

References in classic literature ?

One phase in which Mademoiselle Stangerson had really been attacked --the other phase in which those who heard her cries thought she was being attacked.

View in context

Contribution limits for both traditional and Roth IRAs phase in over the next seven years and raise the annual contribution limit from $2,000 to $5,000 per year.

Analysis of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001

We have to define what the inequity is, determine the differential and then say, phase in one-tenth of the differential each year," explained a Council finance division official who is working on the draft legislation.