stage

stage [stāj]

n.

[ME < OFr estage < VL * staticum < L status, pp. of stare, to STAND]

1. a platform or dock

2. a scaffold for workmen

3. a level, floor, or story

4.

a) a platform on which plays, speeches, etc. are presented

b) any area, as in an arena theater, in which actors perform

c) the whole working section of a theater, including the acting area, the backstage area, etc.

d) the theater, drama, or acting as a profession: with the

e) the scene of an event or series of events

f) the center of attention

5. a place where a stop is made on a journey, esp., formerly, a regular stopping point for a stagecoach

6. the distance or a part of a route between two stopping places; leg of a journey

7. short for STAGECOACH

8. a shelf attached to a microscope for holding the object to be viewed: see MICROSCOPE

9. a period, level, or degree in a process of development, growth, or change [the larval stage of an insect]

10. any of two or more propulsion units used, in sequence, as the launch vehicle of a missile, spacecraft, etc.: when no longer operational or useful, the lower stages usually separate and fall back to earth

11. Electronics a component, circuit, etc. that does one specific job, as amplification, while being a part of a larger, more complex system

12. Geol. a subdivision of a series of stratified rocks consisting of the rocks laid down during a geologic age

vt.

staged, staging

1. to present, represent, or exhibit on or as on a stage

☆ 2. to plan, arrange, and carry out [to stage a counteroffensive]

vi.

to be suitable for presentation on the stage [a play that stages well]

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by easy stages or in easy stages

1. traveling only a short distance at a time

2. working or acting unhurriedly, with stops for rest