Synonym for external phase ... The medium or fluid in which a disperse is suspended. ... Synonym: continuous phase, dispersion medium, dispersion phase, external medium. ... (05 Mar 2000) ... 
in a heterogeneous system, the component in which the disperse phase is distributed, corresponding to the solvent in a true solution. See also colloid.
the liquid in which solids are suspended or droplets of another liquid are dispersed; sometimes called the external phase. In a water-in-oil emulsion, oil is the continuous phase. Compare internal phase. 
Type: Term Synonyms: external phase
In an alloy or portion of an alloy containing more than one phase, the phase that forms the background or matrix in which the other phase or phases are present as isolated volumes.
In an alloy or portion of an alloy containing more than one phase, the phase that forms the background or matrix in which the other phase or phases are present as isolated volumes.