alter

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɔːltə, ˈɒl-/

verb

  • change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way: [with object]: Eliot was persuaded to alter the passage [no object]: our outward appearance alters as we get older (as adjective altered) an altered state
  • [with object] make structural changes to (a building): plans to alter the dining hall
  • [with object] North American & Australian castrate or spay (a domestic animal).

Derivatives

alterable

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French alterer, from late Latin alterare, from Latin alter 'other'