phant-, phanta-, phas-; -phasic, -phant

To terminate work on, production of, etc.; step by step and according to a plan.

A substance that undergoes a change of status; such as, by melting, freezing, boiling, or condensing; while absorbing or rejecting thermal energy, normally at a constant temperature.

1. Relating to a clearly distinguishable period or stage in a process, in the development of something, or in a sequence of events.
2. A reference to a period of time when a situation or particular pattern of behavior persists and is often annoying or worrying.
3. Characterized by one of the many parts or aspects of something: "They wanted to restructure the phasic process of their program."

A manner, stage, or aspect of being; a phase.

1. Having more than one phase or multiple phases.
2. Of or pertaining to a set of alternating currents that have the same frequency but different phases and that enter a specified region at more than two points.

The structure of a material consisting of several phases (particular stages or aspects).

1. A machine generating more than one pressure wave; a multiphaser.
2. Consisting of, or occurring, in a number of separate stages.

With reference to an electrical device, or circuit, a polyphaser is designed to supply or to use simultaneously several alternating currents of the same voltage and frequency but with different phases.

1. Having more than two phases.
2. Habitually doing more than one thing at a time: "She has a polyphasic personality."

A term coined by early 20th century psychologist J.S. Szymanski, which refers to the practice of sleeping multiple times in a 24-hour period; usually, more than two, in contrast to "biphasic sleep".

1. A reference to the production of severe phases, as an alternating electrical current.
2. Characterized by having some quick bursts.

The characteristics of those who strive to do whatever is possible to please another person; such as, an employer, supervisor, etc.: Monroe often used sycophancy to improve his occupational status with his company.

Whenever Glenda's manager asked for volunteers to work overtime, she would use sycophancy as a method of securing her job; especially, during the time of high unemployment conditions.

© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

1. Someone who tries to please another person in order to gain a personal advantage: Julie was a sycophant who flattered her brother so he would loan her his car.
2. A person who attempts to win favor by overly praising influential people; especially, those who are famous or rich: There are sycophants who will say wonderful things to others who are their superiors so they can promote themselves towards greater success in their careers or desires.

Since a sycophant is defined as someone who wants to win favor or advance himself or herself by flattering people in high positions; such a person is also referred to as: "a bootlicker, a flunky, a fawner, an apple polisher, a backslapper, or a toady."

3. Etymology: from Greek sykophantesand from Latin sycophanta, "servile flattery." © ALL rights are reserved.
© ALL rights are reserved.  
© ALL rights are reserved.  

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
 so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

Characteristic of someone who uses flattery by praising a powerful person of influence in order to win favor or advancement: "The company's servile self-seekers gave sycophantic praise to every word the company chief executive officer said."

"There were often many sycophantic women who surrounded the famous movie actor whenever he was scheduled to appear in public."

Servilely or excessively courting favor; being slavish: "Jack was often described in office gossip as the most sycophantical person in the office, always being excessively flattering to the supervisor."

Relating to being very eager to help or to obey someone important: "Garrett, the office administrator, was often complimented by sycophantish assistants who were trying to gain his favor in order to get higher wages."