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alpha privative

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noun
the prefix a- or, before a vowel, an-, used in Greek and English to express negation or absence.
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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
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Origin of alpha privative

First recorded in 1580–90

Words nearby alpha privative

alpha-linolenic acid, alpha male, alpha-naphthylthiourea, alphanumeric, alpha particle, alpha privative, alpha radiation, alpha ray, alpha receptor, alpha rhythm, alpha stock
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for alpha privative

alpha privative
noun
(in Greek grammar) the letter alpha (or an- before vowels) used as a negative or privative prefix. It appears in English words derived from Greek, as in atheist, anaesthetic
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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