What does phaser mean?
A phaser is an electronic device or circuit that produces a phase-shifted version of an electrical signal. In engineering, it is used to adjust the timing or phase relationship between signals, which is important in oscillators, amplifiers, radio systems, and other signal-processing equipment. The word is closely associated with phase shifting, but it can refer more specifically to a circuit or component designed to perform that function. In science fiction, a phaser is a directed-energy weapon that supposedly shifts matter between material and nonmaterial states, allowing a target to disappear or become intangible. The technical meaning is precise and common in specialist writing, while the fictional meaning is widely recognizable through popular culture. For most speakers, however, the term may evoke the fictional device more readily than an electronic component, so its context matters greatly.
An electronic device or circuit that produces a phase-shifted version of an electrical signal.
"The phaser introduces a controlled delay between the carrier and reference signals."
This is a technical term used chiefly in electronics, telecommunications, and signal processing.
A device in science fiction that fires a directed energy beam and supposedly shifts its target between material and nonmaterial states.
"The phaser beam struck the barrier and made it flicker out of sight."
This sense is chiefly used in science fiction and popular culture.
The plural is used when referring to multiple devices; the singular form also commonly appears attributively, as in "phaser circuit."
"The engineers calibrated the two phasers before combining their output."
A phaser puts the words "phase" and "agent" together: it is essentially a device that creates or controls a phase shift.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does phaser come from?
The word phaser was formed in the 20th century from phase and the agent suffix -er, literally suggesting a device that produces or controls a phase shift. Phase comes through New Latin from Greek phasis, meaning "appearance" or "phase," and ultimately from phainein, "to show." The same Greek root also underlies phasic and related technical formations such as diaphasic.
How phaser is actually used
The technical sense is used mainly in electronics, signal processing, and radio engineering. The science-fiction sense is recognizable in popular culture and carries the implication that a phase shift can somehow make a target disappear or become intangible.
Easily confused with phaser
A phase shifter is the general term for a device that changes a signal's phase, while a phaser more often names a particular electronic circuit or component used for that purpose.