rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryalternationRepeated switching
noun

alternation

awl-ter-NAY-shun/ˌɔːltərˈneɪʃn/

Repeated switching between states, forms, or alternatives.

The circular sequence shows the repeated alternation of day and night.

A circular arrow path passes repeatedly between a sun symbol and moon symbol, alternating day and night.
Etymology
alternatLatinto do first one thing, then the other
+ionLatinaction or process

Latin alternare described doing first one thing and then the other. Alternation names that back-and-forth process, rather than just a single change.

In context

CrashCourse8:26
Hofmeister called this multigenerational life cycle the alternation of generations. The cycle alternates between two different types of generations
Why Don't These Plants Need Seeds? (Moss and Ferns): Crash Course Botany #8

More examples

  • An alternation of sunny and rainy days slows the harvest.
  • The design uses a regular alternation of dark and light bands.
  • These grammatical alternations change the sound of the word's stem.

Forms

alternation · alternations

alternate verb — To switch repeatedly between actions or conditions.

Similar words

rotation
Usually cycles through positions or members rather than opposing states.
sequence
Names an order without requiring repeated switching.