definition of
alternative

[1] #1 alternative n. [option, choice] one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen; "what option did I have?"; "there no other alternative"; "my only choice is to refuse". wn

[2] #2 alternative s. necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities; "alternative possibilities were neutrality or war". wn

[3] #3 alternative s. pertaining to unconventional choices; "an alternative life style". wn