three-phase

American

[three-feyz] / ˈθriˌfeɪz /

adjective

Electricity.

of or relating to a circuit, system, or device that is energized by three electromotive forces that differ in phase by one third of a cycle or 120°.
having three phases.

three-phase British

adjective

(of an electrical system, circuit, or device) having, generating, or using three alternating voltages of the same frequency, displaced in phase by 120°

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of three-phase

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After ruling by force for the past five years, the junta has pledged the three-phase election, due to end on January 25, will return power to the people.

From Barron's • Jan. 10, 2026

Using advanced microscopy, the researchers identified a three-phase sequence that coral fragments follow when attaching to the reef surface.

From Science Daily • Oct. 29, 2025

The three-phase structure has also caused division and anxiety among some of the hostages' families.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2025

More daunting still, these disputes concern the first phase of what is to be a three-phase deal.

From Slate • Sep. 11, 2024

They are three-phase machines, delivering twenty-five cycle alternating currents at an effective potential of 11,000 volts.

From The New York Subway Its Construction and Equipment by Anonymous

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023