(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); "the full phase of the moon"
(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; "the reaction occurs in the liquid phase of the system"
a particular point in the time of a cycle; measured from some arbitrary zero and expressed as an angle
any distinct time period in a sequence of events; "we are in a transitional stage in which many former ideas must be revised or rejected"
adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition; "he phased the intake with the output of the machine"
marked by complexity and richness of detail; "an elaborate lace pattern"
work out in detail; "elaborate a plan"
add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing; "She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation"
produce from basic elements or sources; change into a more developed product; "The bee elaborates honey"
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone; "the quality of mercy is not strained"--Shakespeare
a degree or grade of excellence or worth; "the quality of students has risen"; "an executive of low caliber"
a characteristic property that defines the apparent individual nature of something; "each town has a quality all its own"; "the radical character of our demands"
high social status; "a man of quality"
of high social status; "people of quality"; "a quality family"
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality; "sculpture is a form of art"; "what kinds of desserts are there?"
tolerant and forgiving under provocation; "our neighbor was very kind about the window our son broke"
agreeable, conducive to comfort; "a dry climate kind to asthmatics"; "the genial sunshine";"hot summer pavements are anything but kind to the feet"
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior; "kind to sick patients"; "a kind master"; "kind words showing understanding and sympathy"; "thanked her for her kind letter"