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alternation of generations
noun phrase
: the occurrence of two or more forms differently produced in the life cycle of a plant or animal usually involving the regular alternation of a sexual with an asexual generation
Word History
First Known Use
1813, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of alternation of generations was
in 1813
Dictionary Entries Near alternation of generations
Cite this Entry
“Alternation of generations.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternation%20of%20generations. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
alternation of generations
: the alternate occurrence of two or more forms and especially of a sexual and an asexual generation in the life cycle of a plant or animal
Medical Definition
alternation of generations
noun
al·ter·na·tion of generations
ˌȯl-tər-ˈnā-shən also ˌal-
: the occurrence of two or more forms differently produced in the life cycle of a plant or animal usually involving the regular alternation of a sexual with an asexual generation but not infrequently consisting of alternation of a dioecious generation with one or more parthenogenetic generations
More from Merriam-Webster on alternation of generations
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alternation of generations
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