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. Alpha, Astronomy. 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: alpha test ( def ).

   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. Compare beta ( def 9 ), gamma ( def 9 ).
9. alpha male ( def ).

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: alpha test ( def ).

   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

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.

From Nautilus

For instance, TNF alpha inhibitors are used to treat Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.

From Science News

The team then tried various combinations of cytokines and discovered that only the pairing of TNF alpha and gamma interferon was deadly to macrophages.

From Science News

Nivelo 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.

From TechCrunch

Chris 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.

From MIT Technology Review

Alpha Team was killed, Faal told the FBI, while the Bravo members who were not gunned down fled.

From The Daily Beast

The conspirators were split into two teams, “Alpha” and “Bravo.”

From The Daily Beast

And when that happens, one “alpha dog” will run the show, usually the oldest, most experienced performer, who “knows more tricks.”

From The Daily Beast

Former RSD instructor Nathan Kole says he saw firsthand how this “alpha male” marketing can damage students.

From The Daily Beast

Lohse rushes Sigma Alpha Epsilon, gets a bid, endures pledge term, and then submits to the dehumanizing rigors of Hell Night.

From The Daily Beast

Beta is not formed from alpha; one is first, the other is second, and no one knows why.

From Project Gutenberg

The ring shown in Fig. 117 bears the sacred monogram accompanied by the significant Alpha and Omega.

From Project Gutenberg

The proper annual motion of the sun Alpha Centauri exceeds 188 millions of leagues per year.

From Project Gutenberg

The star Alpha Cygni comes to us in a direct line at a speed of 500 millions of leagues per year.

From Project Gutenberg

And I remember being jealous because she was chosen by the Kappa Alpha as a candidate.

From Project Gutenberg