Late Middle English; earliest use found in Guy de Chauliac's Grande Chirurgie. From post-classical Latin alterat-, past participial stem of alterarealter.
Definition of alterate in US English:
alterate
(also alterated)
verb
with objectTo alter, change.
Origin
Late Middle English; earliest use found in Guy de Chauliac's Grande Chirurgie. From post-classical Latin alterat-, past participial stem of alterare alter.