cyclic alternation
[/ˈsaɪklɪk ɔːltərˈneɪʃən/]
nounpl: cyclic alternations
alternância cíclica
1. A regular pattern in which two or more elements alternate repeatedly in a cyclical manner, returning to the starting point
The cyclic alternation of day and night governs many biological processes.
A alternância cíclica entre dia e noite governa muitos processos biológicos.
2. In linguistics, the systematic switching between two phonetic or grammatical forms that repeats in a predictable cycle
The cyclic alternation of stress patterns in poetry creates rhythmic effects.
A alternância cíclica dos padrões de acentuação na poesia cria efeitos rítmicos.
3. In mathematics and physics, a periodic sequence where states or values rotate through a fixed set of options
The cyclic alternation of phases in AC current makes it useful for power distribution.
A alternância cíclica de fases na corrente alternada a torna útil para distribuição de energia.
This term is primarily used in academic, scientific, and technical contexts in both Brazilian and European Portuguese-speaking regions. It is particularly common in physics, mathematics, linguistics, and biology curricula. The concept reflects universal natural phenomena, making it culturally neutral across English and Portuguese-speaking communities.
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →