alternate

¹al·ter·nate

adj
\US & Canada ˈȯl-tər-nət also ˈal-; chiefly British ȯl-ˈtər-\

Definition of ALTERNATE

1

: occurring or succeeding by turns <a day of alternate sunshine and rain>

2

a : arranged first on one side and then on the other at different levels or points along an axial line <alternate leaves> — compare opposite b : arranged one above or alongside the other

3

: every other : every second <he works on alternate days>

4

: constituting an alternative <took the alternate route home>

5

: alternative 3

— al·ter·nate·ly adverb

Examples of ALTERNATE

1. Alternate shades of wood formed a pattern around the window.
2. We took an alternate route because of the traffic.
3. Due to an emergency, the plane landed at an alternate airport.

Origin of ALTERNATE

Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare, from alternus alternate, from alter

First Known Use: 1513