I. ˈȯltə(r)nə̇t also ˈal-; chiefly Brit ȯlˈtərn- or ˈtə̄n- also alˈt-; usu -ə̇d.+V adjective
Etymology: Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare, from alternus interchangeable, alternate — more at altern
1. : occurring or succeeding by turns : one following the other in time : by turns first one and then the other
alternate gain and loss
alternate periods of working and unemployment
: changing back and forth by turns : reciprocating
alternate favors between friends
2.
a. : arranged first on one side and then on the other at different levels or points along an axial line : not side by side
stems with alternate leaves
alternate pitting in cell walls
— see phyllotaxy ; compare opposite
b. : disposed at intervals : arranged one above or alongside the other
alternate stamens and petals
alternate layers of brick and stone
3. : composed of members that occur or succeed by turns
recurring figures in an alternate pattern
4. : belonging to a series in which the members regularly intervene between or follow by turns the members of another series (as the odd or even members of the numerals) : every other : every second
the alternate members 1, 3, 5, and 7
the alternate verses of a responsive reading
a maid who works on alternate days
5. : alternative , substitute
this highway is an alternate route
copper may be used as an alternate material
make an alternate selection
• al·ter·nate·ly adverb
II. ˈȯltə(r)ˌnāt also ˈal-; usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
: to perform by turns or in succession : cause to perform or succeed by turns : interchange regularly
alternate the melodies
alternate endurance tests
alternate pipe and cigar
intransitive verb
1. : to vary by turns
gravel and macadam alternate along the route
: take turns
singers who alternate in the leading role
— often used with between
the weather alternated between sunshine and storms
alternate between study and writing
2. : to happen, succeed, or act by turns : follow reciprocally — used with with
the flood and ebb tides alternate with each other
Synonyms: see rotate
III. like adj noun
( -s )
1. : a choice between two or among more than two objects or courses : alternative
the port is the alternate to New York as a shipping terminus
several basic alternates to expansion of the building
2. : one that takes the place of another : one that alternates with another: as
a. : an extra person appointed to take the place of another who is unable to perform his duty : substitute
delegates to the convention and their alternates
b. : a person that takes his turn often at regular intervals with another of equal rank in an occupation or in performing a duty
appointed alternate to the chief of staff