alternate alternate /ˈɔːltɚnət/

adjective

1. () Every second one of a series  ( alternate )
   every second one of a series
    The cleaning lady comes on alternate Wednesdays
   the cleaning lady comes on alternate Wednesdays
    Jam every other day
   jam every other day
   
2. () Serving or used in place of another  ( substitute , alternate , alternative )
   serving or used in place of another
    An alternative plan
   an alternative plan
   
3. () Occurring by turns; first one and then the other  ( alternating , alternate )
   occurring by turns; first one and then the other
    Alternating feelings of love and hate
   alternating feelings of love and hate
   
4. (botany) of leaves and branches etc; first on one side and then on the other in two ranks along an axis; not paired  ( alternate )
   (botany) of leaves and branches etc; first on one side and then on the other in two ranks along an axis; not paired
    Stems with alternate leaves
   stems with alternate leaves
   

noun

1. Someone who takes the place of another person  ( alternate , surrogate , replacement )
   someone who takes the place of another person
   

verb

1. () Go back and forth; swing back and forth between two states or conditions  ( jump , alternate )
   go back and forth; swing back and forth between two states or conditions
   
2. Do something in turns  ( alternate , take turns )
   do something in turns
    We take turns on the night shift
   We take turns on the night shift
   
3. Reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action)  ( alternate , flip , flip-flop , interchange , switch , tack )
   reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action)
   
4. Be an understudy or alternate for a role  ( alternate , understudy )
   be an understudy or alternate for a role
   
5. Exchange people temporarily to fulfill certain jobs and functions  ( alternate )
   exchange people temporarily to fulfill certain jobs and functions