David alter
David, 1807–81, U.S. physicist.
verb
to make or become different in some respect; change
(transitive) (informal, mainly US) a euphemistic word for castrate, spay
v.
late 14c., “to change (something),” from Old French alterer “change, alter,” from Medieval Latin alterare “to change,” from Latin alter “the other (of the two),” from PIE *al- “beyond” (see alias (adv.)) + comparative suffix -ter (cf. other). Intransitive sense “to become otherwise” first recorded 1580s. Related: Altered; altering.
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- Alterable
- Alterability
capable of being . Historical Examples Still, the difference between the great and less man is, on the whole, chiefly in this point of alterability. English Critical Essays Various Incidentally we have touched upon a most far-reaching problem: The alterability of human nature. Human Nature and Conduct John Dewey adj. 1520s, from alter + -able. […]
- Alterant
causing or producing alteration. something that produces alteration.
- Alteration
the act or process of ; the state of being : Alteration will improve the dress. a change; modification or adjustment: There has been an alteration in our plans. Contemporary Examples Close was so distraught by the alteration that she initially refused to take part in the re-shoot. Return of the Bunny Boiler: Fatal Attraction’s […]
- Alterative
tending to . Medicine/Medical Obsolete. gradually restoring healthy bodily functions. Medicine/Medical Obsolete. an alterative remedy. Historical Examples Its present use is that of an astringent, tonic, and alterative, and also that of an expectorant. Ginseng and Other Medicinal Plants A. R. (Arthur Robert) Harding The alterative medicine was to be given in tablespoonfuls—two tablespoonfuls to […]