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

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