Al’ter-nā’tion, n.

n. [Lat. alternatio, Fr. alternation.]

1. The reciprocal succession of things in time or place; the act of following and being followed by turns; alternate action or performance; as, the alternation of day and night, cold and heat, summer and winter.
2. (Math.) The different changes or alterations of orders in numbers;—called also permutation. Davies & Peck.
3. The response of the congregation speaking alternately with the minister. Mason.