three-phase

American

[three-feyz] / ˈθriˌfeɪz /

adjective

Electricity.

of or relating to a circuit, system, or device that is energized by three electromotive forces that differ in phase by one third of a cycle or 120°.
having three phases.

three-phase British

adjective

(of an electrical system, circuit, or device) having, generating, or using three alternating voltages of the same frequency, displaced in phase by 120°

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of three-phase

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The three-phase, $30-billion-dollar plan for lunar dominance is relatively straightforward.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

After ruling by force for the past five years, the junta has pledged the three-phase election, due to end on January 25, will return power to the people.

From Barron's • Jan. 10, 2026

Using advanced microscopy, the researchers identified a three-phase sequence that coral fragments follow when attaching to the reef surface.

From Science Daily • Oct. 29, 2025

The three-phase structure has also caused division and anxiety among some of the hostages' families.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2025

The round dial instrument shown at the bottom of each row of instruments is a three-phase recording wattmeter.

From The New York Subway Its Construction and Equipment by Anonymous

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023