1. adjective /ˈɒlˌtɜː(ɹ).nət,ˈɔl.tɚ.nət,ˈɒl.tə(ɹ)ˌneɪt,ɔl.tɚˈneɪt/
a) Being or succeeding by turns; one following the other in succession of time or place; by turns first one and then the other; hence, reciprocal.
And bid alternate passions fall and rise. -
b) Designating the members in a series, which regularly intervene between the members of another series, as the odd or even numbers of the numerals; every other; every second.
the alternate members 1, 3, 5, 7, etc.
2. noun /ˈɒlˌtɜː(ɹ).nət,ˈɔl.tɚ.nət,ˈɒl.tə(ɹ)ˌneɪt,ɔl.tɚˈneɪt/
a) That which alternates with something else; vicissitude.
Grateful alternates of substantial. -Matthew Prior
b) A substitute; an alternative; one designated to take the place of another, if necessary, in performing some duty.
3. verb /ˈɒlˌtɜː(ɹ).nət,ˈɔl.tɚ.nət,ˈɒl.tə(ɹ)ˌneɪt,ɔl.tɚˈneɪt/
a) To perform by turns, or in succession; to cause to succeed by turns; to interchange regularly.
The flood and ebb tides alternate with each other.
b) To happen, succeed, or act by turns; to follow reciprocally in place or time;—followed by with.
The land alternates between rocky hills and sandy plains.
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