Alpha
WordNet

adjective


(1)   Early testing stage of a software or hardware product
"Alpha version"
(2)   First in order of importance
"The alpha male in the group of chimpanzees"
"The alpha star in a constellation is the brightest or main star"

noun


(3)   The 1st letter of the Greek alphabet
(4)   The beginning of a series or sequence
"The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end"--Revelations
WiktionaryText

Etymology


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

Noun



  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. The name of the symbols Α and α used in science and mathematics, often interchangeable with the symbols when used as a prefix.
    I will attempt to make a alpha particle ("α-particle") with the large hadron collider.
  4. The return of a given asset or portfolio adjusted for systematic risk.

Adjective



  1. Designates the first in an order of precedence.
    I am the alpha male.
  2. Designates the brightest star in a constellation.
    When space travel becomes feasible, I plan to visit Alpha Centauri.

Related terms

 
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