alternate

al|ter|nate1 [ `ɔltər,neıt ] verb

1. ) intransitive if one thing alternates with another, it happens after it and keeps being repeated:

alternate with: Wet days alternated with dry ones.

a ) if someone or something alternates between two things, they keep changing between them:

alternate between: His mood alternates between joy and despair.

2. ) transitive to choose one thing or situation and then another, and keep repeating that pattern:

Lay the shapes on the fabric, alternating the colors.

alternate something with something: The class allows students to alternate work with education.

╾ al|ter|na|tion [ ,ɔltər`neıʃn ] noun count or uncount

alternate

al|ter|nate 2 [ `ɔltərnət, ɔl`tɜrnət ] adjective usually before noun *

1. ) happening or coming one after another, in a regular pattern:

alternate periods of good and bad weather

a pattern of alternate red and green stars

2. ) happening on one day, week, etc. but not on the day, week, etc., that immediately follows:

I go and visit him on alternate weekends.

3. ) allowing you to choose a different plan, thing, or situation from one you already have: ALTERNATIVE:

I don't suppose you have an alternate plan in case you are sick on that day.

We can't get home tonight, because there are no alternate flights.

╾ al|ter|nate|ly adverb

alternate

al|ter|nate 3 [ `ɔltərnət, ɔl`tɜrnət ] noun count AMERICAN

someone who takes the place of another person, especially in sports:

She's my alternate if I'm sick or injured and can't race.