Definitions:
a distinct period or stage in a series of events or a process of change or development

each of the aspects of the moon or a planet, according to the amount of its illumination, especially the new moon, the first quarter, the full moon, and the last quarter.

a genetic or seasonal variety of an animal's coloration

a distinct and homogeneous form of matter (i.e. a particular solid, liquid, or gas) separated by its surface from other forms

the relationship in time between the successive states or cycles of an oscillating or repeating system (such as an alternating electric current or a light or sound wave) and either a fixed reference point or the states or cycles of another system with which it may or may not be in synchrony

(in systemic grammar) the relationship between a catenative verb and the verb that follows it, as in she hoped to succeed and i like swimming.

carry out (something) in gradual stages

adjust the phase of (something), especially so as to synchronize it with something else