alpha

al·pha  (lf)

n.

1. The first letter of the Greek alphabet. See Table at alphabet.

2. The first one; the beginning.

3. Chemistry The first position from a designated carbon atom in an organic molecule at which an atom or radical may be substituted.

4. Astronomy The brightest or main star in a constellation.

5. The mathematical estimate of the return on a security when the return on the market as a whole is zero. Alpha is derived from a in the formula R_i = a + bR_m, which measures the return on a security (R_i) for a given return on the market (R_m) where b is beta.

adj.

1. Being the highest ranked or most dominant individual of one's sex. Used of social animals: the alpha female of the wolf pack.

2. Chemistry Closest to the functional group of atoms in an organic molecule.

3. Alphabetical.

---

[Greek, of Phoenician origin; see lp in Semitic roots.]

---

alpha

Noun

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

2. Brit the highest grade in an examination or for a piece of academic work

3. alpha and omega the first and last

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	alpha - the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet Greek alphabet - the alphabet used by ancient Greeks alphabetic character, letter of the alphabet, letter - the conventional characters of the alphabet used to represent speech; "his grandmother taught him his letters"
	2.	alpha - the beginning of a series or sequence; "the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end"--Revelations start - the beginning of anything; "it was off to a good start"
Adj.	1.	alpha - first in order of importance; "the alpha male in the group of chimpanzees"; "the alpha star in a constellation is the brightest or main star" important, of import - of great significance or value; "important people"; "the important questions of the day"
	2.	alpha - early testing stage of a software or hardware product; "alpha version" explorative, exploratory - serving in or intended for exploration or discovery; "an exploratory operation"; "exploratory reconnaissance"; "digging an exploratory well in the Gulf of Mexico"; "exploratory talks between diplomats"