stage

(noun) any distinct time period in a sequence of events. Synonyms: phase. Example: "We are in a transitional stage in which many former ideas must be revised or rejected."

(noun) a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process. Synonyms: degree, level, point. Examples: "A remarkable degree of frankness." "At what stage are the social sciences?."

(noun) a large platform on which people can stand and can be seen by an audience. Example: "He clambered up onto the stage and got the actors to help him into the box."

(noun) the theater as a profession (usually `the stage'). Example: "An early movie simply showed a long kiss by two actors of the contemporary stage."

(noun) a large coach-and-four formerly used to carry passengers and mail on regular routes between towns. Synonyms: stagecoach. Example: "We went out of town together by stage about ten or twelve miles."

(noun) a section or portion of a journey or course. Synonyms: leg. Example: "Then we embarked on the second stage of our caribbean cruise."

(noun) any scene regarded as a setting for exhibiting or doing something. Examples: "All the world's a stage"--shakespeare." "It set the stage for peaceful negotiations."

(noun) a small platform on a microscope where the specimen is mounted for examination. Synonyms: microscope stage.

(verb) perform (a play), especially on a stage. Synonyms: present, represent. Example: "We are going to stage `othello'."

(verb) plan, organize, and carry out (an event). Synonyms: arrange. Example: "The neighboring tribe staged an invasion."