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vicissitude

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vicissitude

Main Entry:: vi·cis·si·tude
Pronunciation:: \və-ˈsi-sə-ˌtüd, vī-, -ˌtyüd\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle French, from Latin vicissitudo, from vicissim in turn, from vicis change, alternation — more at week
Date:: circa 1576

1 a: the quality or state of being changeable : mutability b: natural change or mutation visible in nature or in human affairs2 a: a favorable or unfavorable event or situation that occurs by chance : a fluctuation of state or condition <the vicissitudes of daily life> b: a difficulty or hardship attendant on a way of life, a career, or a course of action and usually beyond one's control c: alternating change : succession

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