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Alternation

1. The reciprocal succession of things in time or place; the act of following and being followed by turns; alternate succession, performance, or occurrence; as, the alternation of day and night, cold and heat, summer and winter, hope and fear.

2. (Science: mathematics) permutation.

3. The response of the congregation speaking alternately with the minister. Alternation of generation. See generation.

Origin: L. Alternatio: cf. F. Alternation.