alpha

Meaning

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: the Latin letter Ɑ (minuscule: ɑ).
3. The name of the symbols Α and α used in science and mathematics, often interchangeable with the symbols when used as a prefix.
4. The return of a given asset or portfolio adjusted for systematic risk.
5. A person, especially a male, who is dominant, successful and attractive; (see alpha male).
6. (informal) Short for alphabet.
7. The first versions of a program, usually only available to the developer, and only tested by the developer.
8. Angle of attack.
9. The level of translucency of a color, as determined by the alpha channel.
10. Ellipsis of alpha layer.
11. The significance level of a statistical test; the alpha level.
12. (slang) In omegaverse fiction, a person of a dominant secondary sex driven by biology, magic, or other means to bond with an omega, with males of this type often having canine-like genitalia.

Adj

1. Designates the first in an order of precedence.
2. Exhibiting characteristics of the alpha male/female archetype.
3. Designates some bright star, usually the brightest star, of a constellation.

Synonyms

start

origin

à

conductive

debut

first base

inception

incipiency

kickoff

leading

number one

offset

beginning

premier

starting

starting time

in the lead

alpha rays

alpha version

get-go

in-chief

alpha coefficient

Latin alpha

outset

birth

commencement

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈælfə/

Etymology

From the Ancient Greek ἄλφα (álpha), the first letter of the Greek alphabet, from the Phoenician 𐤀 (ʾ, “aleph”). Doublet of alif and aleph.