alternant (alternant)

and n. [L. alter nan(t-)s, ppr. of altern are, alternate: see alter nate, v.] I. a. Alternating; specifically, in geol., composed of alternate layers, as some rocks. II. n. In math ., a determinant all the elements of each row (or column) of which are functions of one variable different from that of any other row (or column), while the elements of any one column (or row) are like functions of the different variables. Such, for example, is sin x, cos x, 1 sin y, cos y, 1 sin z, cos z, 1. Double alternant, a determinant which is an alternant with respect to two sets of variables, both running through the rows or through the columns, Alternant her a (al-ter-nan'the-rä), n. [NL.,