stage

n. & v.
—n.
1 a point or period in a process or development (reached a critical stage; is in the larval stage).
2 a a raised floor or platform, esp. one on which plays etc. are performed before an audience. b (prec. by the) the acting or theatrical profession, dramatic art or literature, the drama. c the scene of action (the stage of politics). d = landing-stage.
3 a a regular stopping-place on a route. b the distance between two stopping-places. c Brit. = fare-stage.
4 Astronaut. a section of a rocket with a separate engine, jettisoned when its propellant is exhausted.
5 Geol. a range of strata forming a subdivision of a series.
6 Electronics a single amplifying transistor or valve with the associated equipment.
7 the surface on which an object is placed for inspection through a microscope.
—v.tr.
1 present (a play etc.) on stage.
2 arrange the occurrence of (staged a demonstration; staged a comeback).
Phrases and idioms:
go on the stage become an actor. hold the stage dominate a conversation etc. stage direction an instruction in the text of a play as to the movement, position, tone, etc., of an actor, or sound effects etc. stage door an actors' and workmen's entrance from the street to a theatre behind the stage. stage effect
1 an effect produced in acting or on the stage.
2 an artificial or theatrical effect produced in real life. stage fright nervousness on facing an audience esp. for the first time. stage-hand a person handling scenery etc. during a performance on stage. stage left (or right) on the left (or right) side of the stage, facing the audience.
stage-manage
1 be the stage-manager of.
2 arrange and control for effect. stage-management the job or craft of a stage-manager. stage-manager the person responsible for lighting and other mechanical arrangements for a play etc. stage name a name assumed for professional purposes by an actor. stage play a play performed on stage rather than broadcast etc. stage rights exclusive rights to perform a particular play. stage-struck filled with an inordinate desire to go on the stage.
stage whisper
1 an aside.
2 a loud whisper meant to be heard by others than the person addressed.
Derivatives:
stageable adj. stageability n. stager n.
Etymology: ME f. OF estage dwelling ult. f. L stare stand