alternate

The definition of alternate is to switch back and forth between two things or activities.

(verb)

To stagger a layer of cake with a layer of icing is an example of alternate.

Alternate is to take turns or do something after another person has finished.

(verb)

An example of alternate is when first your friend rides the bike and then you ride the bike.

Alternate refers to every other one in a sequence.

(adjective)

Odd-numbered days are examples of alternate days.

Alternate means to something that will substitute for something else.

(adjective)

Homeopathic medicines are different from pharmaceutical drugs and are an example of alternate medicines.

An alternate is defined as a person who takes the place of another.

(noun)

An understudy is an example of an alternate.

See alternate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

occurring by turns; succeeding each other; one and then the other: alternate stripes of blue and white
every other; every second: to report on alternate Tuesdays
being one of two or more choices; alternative
Bot.
1. growing along the stem singly at different intervals, first on one side then the other, etc.
2. placed at intervals between other parts, as in a flower

Origin: L alternatus, pp. of alternare, to do by turns < alternus, one after the other < alter, other: see alter

noun

a person standing by to take the place of another if necessary; substitute

intransitive verb

to act, happen, etc. by turns; follow successively: good times alternate with bad
to take turns
to exchange places, etc. regularly
Elec. to reverse direction periodically: said of a current

Related Forms:

See alternate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb al·ter·nat·ed, al·ter·nat·ing, al·ter·nates

verb, intransitive

a. To occur in a successive manner: day alternating with night.
b. To act or proceed by turns: The students alternated at the computer.
To pass back and forth from one state, action, or place to another: alternated between happiness and depression.
Electricity To reverse direction at regular intervals in a circuit.

verb, transitive

adjective (-nĭt)

Happening or following in turns; succeeding each other continuously: alternate seasons of the year. See Usage Note at alternative.
Designating or relating to every other one of a series: alternate lines.
Serving or used in place of another; substitute: an alternate plan.
Botany
a. Arranged singly at each node, as leaves or buds on different sides of a stem.
b. Arranged regularly between other parts, as stamens between petals.