Phase distortion refers to the alteration of the phase relationship between different frequency components of a signal. This phenomenon can occur in various contexts, such as in audio processing or telecommunications, where the timing of waves can affect the overall quality and clarity of the signal. In audio synthesis, phase distortion is often used creatively to shape sounds. For example, synthesizers like the Yamaha DX7 utilize phase distortion to create unique timbres by manipulating the phase of waveforms, resulting in complex and rich audio textures that differ from traditional synthesis methods.