stage

noun

• 1a point, period, or step in a process or development:there is no need at this stage to give explicit details I was in the early stages of pregnancy
• a section of a journey or race:the final stage of the journey is made by taxi
• each of two or more sections of a rocket or spacecraft that have their own engines and are jettisoned in turn when their propellant is exhausted.
• [with modifier] Electronics a specified part of a circuit, typically one consisting of a single amplifying transistor or valve with the associated equipment.

• 2a raised floor or platform, typically in a theater, on which actors, entertainers, or speakers perform:there are only two characters on stage
• (the stage) the acting or theatrical profession:I’ve always wanted to go on the stage
• [in singular] a scene of action or forum of debate, especially in a particular political context:Argentina is playing a leading role on the international stage

• 3a floor or level of a building or structure:the upper stage was added in the 17th century
• (on a microscope) a raised and usually movable plate on which a slide or object is placed for examination.

• 4 Geology (in chronostratigraphy) a range of strata corresponding to an age in time, forming a subdivision of a series.
• (in paleoclimatology) a period of time marked by a characteristic climate:the Boreal stage

• 5archaic term for stagecoach.

verb

• 1present a performance of (a play or other show):the show is being staged at the Goodspeed Opera House
• (of a person or group) organize and participate in (a public event):UDF supporters staged a demonstration in Sofia
• cause (something dramatic or unexpected) to happen:the president’s attempt to stage a comeback the dollar staged a partial recovery

• 2 Medicine diagnose or classify (a disease or patient) as having reached a particular stage in the expected progression of the disease.