n.
Pronunciation: v ə - ' si-s ə - ˌ tüd, v ī -, - ˌ tyüd
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin vicissitudo, from vicissim in turn, from vicis change, alternation ― more at WEEK
Date: circa 1576
1 a : the quality or state of being changeable : MUTABILITY b : natural change or mutation visible in nature or in human affairs
2 a : a favorable or unfavorable event or situation that occurs by chance : a fluctuation of state or condition <the vicissitude s of daily life> b : a difficulty or hardship attendant on a way of life, a career, or a course of action and usually beyond one's control c : alternating change : SUCCESSION