phase
nounUK /feɪz/
US /feɪz/
A phase is one part or step in a change that happens over time.
The moon goes through a full phase about once a month.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A stage in a process of growth or development.
The baby is going through a phase where she cries a lot.
3. One of the shapes the moon or a planet seems to have at different times.
Tonight the moon is in its crescent phase.
4. To carry out something in planned steps.
The new rules will be phased in over the next year.