alpha

Meanings

Noun

• 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.
• Latin alpha: the Latin letter Ɑ (minuscule: ɑ).
• The name of the symbols Α and α used in science and mathematics, often interchangeable with the symbols when used as a prefix.
• The return of a given asset or portfolio adjusted for systematic risk.
• A person, especially a male, who is dominant, successful and attractive; (see alpha male).
• The first versions of a program, usually only available to the developer, and only tested by the developer.
• Angle of attack.
• The level of translucency of a color, as determined by the alpha channel.
• The significance level of a statistical test; the alpha level.
• 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.

Adjective

• Designates the first in an order of precedence.
• exhibiting characteristics of the alpha male/female archetype.
• Designates some bright star, usually the brightest star, of a constellation.

Origin

• From the Ancient Greek ἄλφα, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, from the Phoenician 𐤀. alif.