Figures in various phases (6)
I believe the answer is:
shapes
'figures' is the definition.
('shape' can be a synonym of 'figure')
'various phases' is the wordplay.
'various' indicates anagramming the letters.
'phases' is an anagram of 'SHAPES'.
'in' is the link.
(Other definitions for shapes that I've seen before include "Oblong, square etc" , "Casts or moulds" , "Triangle, globe etc" , "Moulds in phases" , "Forms, outlines" .)