alternate

al-ter-nate · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To occur in turns; to follow one after another repeatedly.

  2. 2.

    Occurring by turns; every other.

  3. 3.

    A person who acts as a substitute.

  4. 4.

    To cause to follow one after another in turns.

  5. 5.

    [American English]Alternative; available as another choice.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    alternate current (AC) — Electric current that reverses direction periodically.
  • •
    on alternate days — Every other day.

Related words

Antonyms: continue, remain, stay
See also: alternative, rotation, switch
Synonyms: interchange, rotate, substitute, switch

Etymology

From Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare ("to do by turns"), from alternus ("one after another, by turns"), from alter ("other").