1. Plural of photophase; periods of light in a 24-hour cycle, especially in controlled laboratory or experimental settings.
Usage: technical; biology; used in circadian rhythm and animal behavior research

Examples

• The researchers alternated photophases and scotophases to study the insects' circadian rhythms.
• During the 12-hour photophases, the plants received continuous artificial light.
• The experiment controlled both the duration and intensity of the photophases.
• Animals in the laboratory were exposed to regular photophases to maintain normal behavior patterns.
• The photophases were synchronized with the natural day-night cycle.