1. That which alternates with something else; vicissitude. [R.] Grateful alternates of substantial. Prior.
2. A substitute; one designated to take the place of another, if necessary, in performing some duty.
3. (Math.)
Defn: A proportion derived from another proportion by interchanging the means.
ALTERNATE
Al"ter*nate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Alternated; p. pr. & vb. n.
Alternating.] Etym: [L. alternatus, p. p. of alternare. See Altern.]
Defn: To perform by turns, or in succession; to cause to succeed by turns; to interchange regularly. The most high God, in all things appertaining unto this life, for sundry wise ends alternates the disposition of good and evil. Grew.
ALTERNATE
Al"ter*nate, v. i.
1. To happen, succeed, or act by turns; to follow reciprocally in place or time; — followed by with; as, the flood and ebb tides alternate with each other. Rage, shame, and grief alternate in his breast. J. Philips. Different species alternating with each other. Kirwan.
2. To vary by turns; as, the land alternates between rocky hills and sandy plains.
ALTERNATELY
Al*ter"nate*ly, adv.