Alternate host


a host, other than the usual or primary host, on which a parasitic organism can sustain itself.
historical examples

in the case of oxen the alternate host of the parasite is a special tick (smith and kilborne).
encyclopaedia britannica, 11th edition, volume 17, slice 4 various

alternate host

one of two species of host on which some pathogens, such as certain rust fungi, must develop to complete their life cycles.

a species of host other than the princ-p-l host on which a parasite can survive.

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  • Alternate plumage

    (of birds having more than one plumage in their cycle of molts) the plumage of the second molt, usually brighter than the basic plumage.

  • Alternate straight

    . a hand consisting of five cards following one another by two in order of denomination, as a five, seven, nine, jack, and king, being of special value in certain games.

  • Alternate with

    to interchange repeatedly and regularly with one another in time or place; rotate (usually followed by with): day alternates with night. to change back and forth between conditions, states, actions, etc.: he alternates between hope and despair. to take turns: my sister and i alternated in doing the dishes. electricity. to reverse direction or sign […]

  • Alternately

    to interchange repeatedly and regularly with one another in time or place; rotate (usually followed by with): day alternates with night. to change back and forth between conditions, states, actions, etc.: he alternates between hope and despair. to take turns: my sister and i alternated in doing the dishes. electricity. to reverse direction or sign […]

  • Alternating

    to interchange repeatedly and regularly with one another in time or place; rotate (usually followed by with): day alternates with night. to change back and forth between conditions, states, actions, etc.: he alternates between hope and despair. to take turns: my sister and i alternated in doing the dishes. electricity. to reverse direction or sign […]


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