subphase

noun

sub·​phase ˈsəb-ˌfāz 

variants or sub-phase

plural subphases or sub-phases

: a phase that is a part of a longer phase

The task-centered model of helping is usually broken into three phases …. Each phase has distinct subphases or tasks to be accomplished.

—Carol L. Langer and Cynthia Lietz

The ceramic sequence now consists of five phases, spanning the period AD 900-1650 …. All but the last of these phases have been further subdivided into early and late subphases, each about 75-100 years long.

—Vernon J. Knight and Vincas P. Steponaitis

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above