alternat

noun

al·​ter·​nat

ȧlternȧ

plural alternats

-nȧ(z)

: the practice among diplomats of regulating precedence among powers of equal rank by lot or in a certain regular order

especially : the practice in the signing of treaties and conventions of giving each power the copy on which it appears at the head of the list of signatories

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, alternation, probably from New Latin alternatus, from Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!