alternation of generations

noun phrase

Definition of alternation of generations

: the occurrence of two or more forms differently produced in the life cycle of a plant or animal usually involving the regular alternation of a sexual with an asexual generation

First Known Use of alternation of generations

1813

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

alternation of generations

noun al·ter·na·tion of generations \ ˌȯl-tər-ˈnā-shən also ˌal- \

medical Definition of alternation of generations

: the occurrence of two or more forms differently produced in the life cycle of a plant or animal usually involving the regular alternation of a sexual with an asexual generation but not infrequently consisting of alternation of a dioecious generation with one or more parthenogenetic generations