# polyphasic

CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/polyphasic
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

having many separate stages or parts; often used to describe systems or processes that happen in multiple phases.

For teachers: pertaining to or characterized by the presence of multiple distinct phases or stages. Common in technical and scientific terminology.

## Examples

- The machine has a polyphasic operation cycle with several distinct steps.
- The study examined polyphasic sleep patterns in a group of night shift workers.
- The polyphasic nature of the disease's progression complicates treatment, as symptoms emerge in distinct yet overlapping phases.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.