phase difference

1. The time interval or the phase angle by which corresponding points on two synchronous waves, such as coherent lightwaves or coherent signals, lead or lag each other. Note: The phase difference between two waves can be constant only when the two waves are synchronous and coherent. 2. The difference in phase angle between specified points on a given wave or between specified points, one on each of two waves. 3. The relative phase of two points on the same wave or on different waves. See alsocoherence, coherent, coherent signal, constant, difference, lightwave, phase, phase deviation, phase modulation, phase offset, point, specify, synchronous, wave.