Definition of vicissitude

Definitions

vicissitude

noun

Regular change or succession from one thing to another, or one part of a cycle to the next; alternation; mutual succession; interchange.
(often plural) a change, especially in one's life or fortunes.

The vicissitudes of war in Iraq cast a dreary backdrop for Donald Rumsfeld's first visit to Asian military allies since he became US Defense Secretary in 2001. "US redeployments afoot in Asia." Christian Science Monitor. 2003 Nov. 18. Pg. 6.

And God made.. the Stars, and set them in the firmament of Heaven to illuminate the Earth, and rule the day in their vicissitude... John Milton, Paradise Lost vii, 351

Etymology: Latin vicissitudo, derived from vicissim "on the other hand, in turn", derived from vicis "change, vicissitude" (whence Spanish vez and French fois, "time" as in "next time").

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