noun
phase
A physically distinct form of matter with uniform properties.
Ice and liquid water form two distinct phases in this glass.
Etymology
Greek phasis means an appearance or showing. Physics applies the idea of a distinct manifestation to a uniform form of matter separated from other forms.
More examples
- Oil and water separate into two liquid phases.
- As the metal cools, a solid phase begins to form.
- Water vapor is water in the gas phase.
Forms
phase · phases