ETYM Latin alternatus, p. p. of alternate, from alternus. Related to Altern, Alter.
1. Allowing a choice; SYN. alternative.<br />
2. Occurring by turns; first one and then the other; SYN. alternating.
3. Every second one of a series; SYN. every other.
4. (Botany) Of leaves and branches etc; first on one side and then on the other in two ranks along an axis; not paired.
(Electricity) Of a current that reverses direction at regular intervals.
ETYM Cf. French alternatif.
1. Necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities; SYN. mutually exclusive.
2. Pertaining to unconventional choices.
ETYM Cf. French rotatoire. Related to Rotate, Rotary.
Of or relating to or causing rotation.
In an alternating sequence or position.
In an interchangeable manner.