'Vicissitude' definitions:

Definition of 'vicissitude'

From: WordNet
noun
A variation in circumstances or fortune at different times in your life or in the development of something; "the project was subject to the usual vicissitudes of exploratory research"
noun
Mutability in life or nature (especially successive alternation from one condition to another)

Definition of 'Vicissitude'

From: GCIDE
  • Vicissitude \Vi*cis"si*tude\, n. [L. vicissitudo, fr. vicis change, turn: cf. F. vicissitude. See Vicarious.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. Regular change or succession from one thing to another; alternation; mutual succession; interchange. [1913 Webster]
  • God made two great lights . . . To illuminate the earth and rule the day In their vicissitude, and rule the night. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Irregular change; revolution; mutation. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (pl.) Changing conditions of fortune in one's life; life's ups and downs. [PJC]
  • This man had, after many vicissitudes of fortune, sunk at last into abject and hopeless poverty. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'vicissitude'

From: Moby Thesaurus