alpha

UK: ˈælfə | US: ˈælfə

Definition

  1. n. the first letter of the Greek alphabet (Α, α)

  2. n. a term denoting the dominant individual in a group (e.g., "alpha male")

  3. adj. referring to the first or primary version of something (e.g., "alpha release")

Structure
alph <first letter>a <Greek noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "alpha" comes directly from the Greek letter "ἄλφα" (alpha), which in turn derives from the Phoenician letter "aleph" (meaning "ox"). The shape of the Phoenician letter resembled an ox's head. As the first letter of the Greek alphabet, "alpha" symbolically represents beginnings or primacy. This association led to its modern usage in contexts like "alpha male" (dominant leader) and "alpha version" (initial release).

Examples

  1. Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet.

  2. The wolf pack is led by an alpha male.

  3. The software is still in its alpha testing phase.

  4. Scientists identified the alpha particle in radioactive decay.

  5. In finance, alpha measures an investment's performance relative to a benchmark.