Alpha

English

Greek Alphabet

—		→ beta
Α α Greek: άλφα
Wikipedia article on Alpha

Etymology

From the Ancient Greek ἄλφα (alpha), the first letter of the Greek alphabet, from the Phoenician aleph.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈæɫfə/

• Audio (US)

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Noun

Alpha (countable and uncountable; plural Alphas)

1. The name of the first letter of the Greek alphabet (Α,  α), followed by beta. In the Latin alphabet it is the predecessor to A.
2. Latin alpha
3. (sciences) The name of the symbols Α and α used in science and mathematics, often interchangeable with the symbols when used as a prefix.
4. (finance) The return of a given asset or portfolio adjusted for systematic risk.
5. An alpha male.
6. (informal, abbreviation) Alphabet.

Derived terms

terms derived from alpha (noun)

alpha and omega alpha blending alpha channel alpha emitter alpha helix alphalike alpha male

alpha particle alpha ray alpha wave alpha ray alpha testing alpha version

Adjective

Alpha (not comparable)

1. Designates the first in an order of precedence.
2. (astronomy) Designates the brightest star in a constellation.

Derived terms

alpha blogger Alpha Centauri, α-Centauri alpha female

alpha geek

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Related terms

• alphabet
• alphabet soup
• alphabetical
• alphabetical order
• alphanumeric

Thesaurus

A; beginning; blast-off; breaking-in; commencement; creation; cutting edge; dawn; dawning; edge; establishment; first; first blush; first glance; first impression; first inning; first lap; first move; first round; first sight; first stage; first step; flying start; foundation; fresh start; gambit; genesis; initial; initiative; institution; jump-off; kick-off; le premier pas; leading edge; new departure; oncoming; onset; opening; opening move; origin; origination; outbreak; outset; outstart; prime; primitiveness; primitivity; running start; send-off; setout; setting in motion; setting-up; square one; start; start-off; starting point; take-off; warming-up