Alpha

Quick meaning: Alpha is a noun meaning 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.

Meaning

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.

More Meanings

1. Latin alpha: the Latin letter Ɑ (minuscule: ɑ).
2. (sciences) The name of the symbols Α and α used in science and mathematics, often interchangeable with the symbols when used as a prefix.
3. (finance) The return of a given asset or portfolio adjusted for systematic risk.
4. A person, especially a male, who is dominant, successful and attractive; (see alpha male).
5. (informal) Clipping of alphabet.
6. (software engineering) The first versions of a program, usually only available to the developer, and only tested by the developer.
7. (aviation) An angle of attack.

Example Sentences

I will attempt to make an alpha particle ("α-particle") with the Large Hadron Collider.

Being a beta male in a species with alphas doesn't mean you have to sit out the mating game.

I'm still turned on by alpha males. I think there are only a couple of other men that turn me on . . . ones that are clearly not alphas.

Similarly, alphas are 2.33% larger than that of the equivalent monthly alphas using compounded returns while no changes can be found using arithmetic returns.

Word Forms

• alphas

Synonyms for alpha

Depending on context, synonyms include important.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include important, alphabet, alphabetical, alphabetic, alphanumeric, alphabetically.

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