phasis

[fey-sis]

noun

plural

phases 

1. a manner, stage, or aspect of being; phase.

Word History and Origins

Origin of phasis¹

1650–60; < New Latin < Greek phásis appearance, equivalent to pha- (base of phaínein to show) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Ancient historian Herodotus identified the Rioni, then known as the Phasis, as the border between Europe and Asia.

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The modern city of 50,000 people was built near the site of the ancient Greek colony of Phasis.

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The north-western slope of the Armenian mountains, as far as the Phasis and the Black Sea, was the home of the Muskai of the Assyrian inscriptions, the Mesech of the Hebrews, the Moschi of the Greeks.

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The H. polymorpha has also penetrated the Madeiran region throughout; and being, like the H. erubescens, peculiarly sensitive to the action of external influences, we perceive, in consequence, that almost every island and rock has now its own especial phasis of it.

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Having now, however, examined the question in its broadest phasis, that is to say, on the supposition that Nature is complete in her several links and parts; I shall perhaps be expected to offer a few passing words on what I have already hinted at,—namely, the possibility of genera being absolutely well-defined, even on their outer limits, from accident.

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