alpha

[al-fuh]

noun

1. the first letter of the Greek alphabet (A, α).

2. the vowel sound represented by the first letter of the Greek alphabet.

3. the first; the beginning.

4. Astronomy.,  Alpha, used to designate the brightest star in a constellation.

   Alpha Arietis is the brightest star in Aries.

5. Chemistry.,  one of two or more isomeric compounds.

6. the first in a series of related items: frequently used in chemistry and physics.

7. Computers.,  an early phase of hardware or software development, in which the product is tested by its developers or manufacturers.

   Some modules are complete and ready for consumers while others are still in alpha.

8. Chiefly British.,  a mark or grade corresponding to an A.

9. alpha male.

adjective

1. 1. (of an animal) having the highest rank in a dominance hierarchy.

      the alpha female of an elephant pack.

   2. being the most dominant, powerful, or assertive person in a particular group.

   3. Slang: Sometimes Disparaging.,  being or relating to a man who is perceived to be assertive, successful, and sexually dominant.

2. alphabetical.

   Put the files in alpha order.

3. Computers.,  being, relating to, or undergoing the early phase of product development in which a product is tested by its developers or manufacturers.

   The initial release is really an alpha version only available to developers.

4. Chemistry.,  relating to or linked to the carbon atom closest to a particular group in an organic molecule.

alpha

¹

/ ˈælfə /

noun

1. the first letter in the Greek alphabet (Α, α), a vowel transliterated as a

2. the highest grade or mark, as in an examination

3. (modifier)

   1. involving or relating to helium-4 nuclei

      an alpha particle

   2. relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solid

      alpha iron

   3. 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

4. (modifier) denoting the dominant person or animal in a group

   the alpha male

Alpha

²

/ ˈælfə /

noun

1. (foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation) usually the brightest star in a constellation

   Alpha Centauri

2. communications a code word for the letter a

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpha¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; from Latin, from Greek álpha, from Phoenician 'lp “ox,” also the name of the first letter of the Phoenician alphabet; aleph

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpha¹

via Latin from Greek, of Phoenician origin; related to Hebrew āleph, literally: ox

Example Sentences

Momentum’s “alpha” advantage has not only shrunk — over the past two decades, it has hovered near zero.

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Unlike many other isotopes, At-211 does not produce harmful secondary alpha decay, ensuring that its energy is used efficiently for therapy.

Read more on Science Daily

Plutonium isotopes emit alpha radiation that is relatively benign outside the body, because it cannot travel through solid objects.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She’s the alpha among Sheridan’s ridiculously tough women who followed, especially in “Lioness,” which premiered in 2023.

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So you hunker down and give in to the alpha male.

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