alt

1 of 2

abbreviation

1

alternate

2

altitude

3

alto

alt-

2 of 2

combining form

alternative

alt-country

alt-media

alt-right

Word History

Etymology

Combining form

shortening of alternative entry 1

Note: The popularity of alt- as an initial element in word formation followed the adoption of the hierarchy label alt.* on the computer discussion network Usenet in 1987, as groups with this prefix as the first element were seen as alternatives to the mainstream newsgroups. However, combinations with quasi-adjectival alt can be found earlier, as, for example alt rock as a shortening of alternative rock, dating from no later than 1982.

Medical Definition

alt

1 of 2 abbreviation

1

alternate

2

altitude

ALT

2 of 2 abbreviation

alanine aminotransferase; alanine transaminase