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

One wife is seen pegging her alpha male husband.

From Salon

The Australian public has yet to see him at his alpha best.

From BBC

After all, if your five-year-old can give you a black eye, you’re not the kind of alpha male Trump wants on his staff.

From Salon

England do not need a humble Stokes in Australia, they need the alpha at his death-defying best.

From BBC

Despite being a two-time champion and widely recognized as an “alpha,” first-year head coach Lynne Roberts says Plum’s leadership style is free of arrogance or ego, driven solely by her sheer competitiveness.

From Los Angeles Times