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 24 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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!