Definition of: alternate

(ôl′tər·nāt, al′-) v. ·nat·ed, ·nat·ing v.t.
1. To arrange, use, or perform in alternation.
2. To cause to succeed and be succeeded by continuously: with by or with: to alternate a passive with an active style.
—v.i.
3. To occur or appear alternately.
4. To take turns: to alternate on a job.
5. To pass from one thing or condition to another and back again repeatedly: Cycles of depression and inflation alternate.
6. Electr. To change from the positive to the negative direction and back rapidly; vibrate; pulsate.
—adjective (ôl′tər·nit, al′-)
1. Existing, occurring, or following by turns; reciprocal.
2. Referring or pertaining to every other (of a series).
3. Alternative: an alternate method.
4. Bot. a Placed singly at regular intervals on opposite sides of the stem, as leaves, b Disposed by turn among other parts, as stamens opposite the intervals between petals.
—noun (ô l′tər·nit, al′-) A substitute or second; especially, one substituting for another in the performance of a duty or in the filling of a position; a second choice. [<L alternatus, pp. of alternare <alternus every second one < alter other]
—al′ter·nate·ness noun