alpha
the first letter of the Greek alphabet (A, α).
the vowel sound represented by this letter.
the first; the beginning.
Alpha, Astronomy. used to designate the brightest star in a constellation.
Chemistry. one of two or more isomeric compounds.
the first in a series of related items: frequently used in chemistry and physics.
Chiefly British. a mark or grade corresponding to an A.: Compare beta (def. 8), gamma (def. 9).
: See also alpha male.
(of an animal) having the highest rank in a dominance hierarchy: the alpha female of an elephant pack.
being the most dominant, powerful, or assertive person in a particular group.
alphabetical (def. 1): Put the files in alpha order.
Chemistry. pertaining or linked to the carbon atom closest to a particular group in an organic molecule.
Origin of alpha
1Words Nearby alpha
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use alpha in a sentence
What Hopman and colleagues found was a prominent decrease in the strength of the alpha rhythm in the time spent in nature compared to either before or after.
Are We Wired to Be Outside? - Issue 92: Frontiers | Grigori Guitchounts | November 11, 2020 | NautilusFor instance, TNF alpha inhibitors are used to treat Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
How two immune system chemicals may trigger COVID-19’s deadly cytokine storms | Tina Hesman Saey | October 30, 2020 | Science NewsThe team then tried various combinations of cytokines and discovered that only the pairing of TNF alpha and gamma interferon was deadly to macrophages.
How two immune system chemicals may trigger COVID-19’s deadly cytokine storms | Tina Hesman Saey | October 30, 2020 | Science NewsNivelo is taking its first steps as a company with this funding, but it’s on its way with an alpha product and a future road map of products and services.
Nivelo nabs $2.5M seed to reduce risk in digital ACH payments | Ron Miller | October 6, 2020 | TechCrunchChris Biscardi is trying to get rid of that barrier to entry with a text editor for digital gardens that’s still in its alpha stage.
Digital gardens let you cultivate your own little bit of the internet | Tanya Basu | September 3, 2020 | MIT Technology Review
alpha Team was killed, Faal told the FBI, while the Bravo members who were not gunned down fled.
The Shadowy U.S. Veteran Who Tried to Overthrow a Country | Jacob Siegel | January 6, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTThe conspirators were split into two teams, “alpha” and “Bravo.”
The Shadowy U.S. Veteran Who Tried to Overthrow a Country | Jacob Siegel | January 6, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTAnd when that happens, one “alpha dog” will run the show, usually the oldest, most experienced performer, who “knows more tricks.”
A Backstage Love Affair With Cirque du Soleil | Allison McNearney | December 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTFormer RSD instructor Nathan Kole says he saw firsthand how this “alpha male” marketing can damage students.
The Secret World of Pickup Artist Julien Blanc | Brandy Zadrozny | December 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTLohse rushes Sigma alpha Epsilon, gets a bid, endures pledge term, and then submits to the dehumanizing rigors of Hell Night.
Beta is not formed from alpha; one is first, the other is second, and no one knows why.
A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 1 (of 10) | Franois-Marie Arouet (AKA Voltaire)The ring shown in Fig. 117 bears the sacred monogram accompanied by the significant alpha and Omega.
The Catacombs of Rome | William Henry WithrowThe proper annual motion of the sun alpha Centauri exceeds 188 millions of leagues per year.
Urania | Camille FlammarionThe star alpha Cygni comes to us in a direct line at a speed of 500 millions of leagues per year.
Urania | Camille FlammarionAnd I remember being jealous because she was chosen by the Kappa alpha as a candidate.
Ruth Fielding At College | Alice B. Emerson
British Dictionary definitions for alpha (1 of 2)
/ (ˈælfə) /
the first letter in the Greek alphabet (Α, α), a vowel transliterated as a
British the highest grade or mark, as in an examination
(modifier)
involving or relating to helium-4 nuclei: an alpha particle
relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solid: alpha iron
relating to one of two or more isomeric forms of a chemical compound, esp one in which a group is attached to the carbon atom to which the principal group is attached
(modifier) denoting the dominant person or animal in a group: the alpha male
Origin of alpha
1British Dictionary definitions for Alpha (2 of 2)
/ (ˈælfə) /
(foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation) usually the brightest star in a constellation: Alpha Centauri
communications a code word for the letter a
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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