stage

noun

1》 a point, period, or step in a process or development.

    ↘a section of a journey or race.

2》 a raised floor or platform on which actors, entertainers, or speakers perform.

    ↘(the stage) the acting or theatrical profession.

3》 a scene of action or forum of debate.

4》 a floor of a building.

5》 each of two or more sections of a rocket or spacecraft that are jettisoned in turn when their propellant is exhausted.

6》 Electronics a part of a circuit containing a single amplifying transistor or valve.

7》 a raised plate on a microscope on which a slide or specimen is placed for examination.

8》 Geology a range of strata corresponding to an age in time, forming a subdivision of a series.

9》 historical a stagecoach.

verb

1》 present a performance of (a play or other show).

    ↘organize and participate in (a public event).

    ↘cause (something dramatic or unexpected) to happen.

2》 Medicine assign (a disease or patient) to a stage in a process.

Phrases

hold the stage dominate a scene of action or forum of debate.

set the stage for prepare the conditions for.

stage left (or right) on the left (or right) side of a stage from the point of view of a performer facing the audience.

Derivatives

stageability noun

stageable adjective

Origin

ME: shortening of OFr. estage 'dwelling', based on L. stare 'to stand'.