alter

verb (used with object)

1. to make different in some particular, as size, style, course, or the like; modify: to alter a coat; to alter a will; to alter course.
2. to castrate or spay.

verb (used without object)

3. to change; become different or modified.

noun

1. David,1807–81, U.S. physicist.

adjective

1. high.

noun

2. in alt, in the first octave above the treble staff.

1. alteration.

noun Latin.

1. another exactly the same.

verb

1. to make or become different in some respect; change
2. (tr) informal, mainly US a euphemistic word for castrate, spay

adjective

1. (esp of vocal music) high in pitch
2. of or relating to the octave commencing with the G above the top line of the treble staff

noun

3. in alt in the octave directly above the treble staff

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.

n.

1. alanine aminotransferase