alpha
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.
Noun 4 meanings
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.
“I will attempt to make an alpha particle ("α-particle") with the Large Hadron Collider.”
The return of a given asset or portfolio adjusted for systematic risk.
Adjective 3 meanings
Designates the first in an order of precedence.
“I am the alpha male.”
Exhibiting characteristics of the alpha male/female archetype.
Designates some bright star, usually the brightest star, of a constellation.
“When interstellar travel becomes feasible, I plan to visit Alpha Centauri.”
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.
ALPHA at a glance
ALPHA has 5 letters and scores 10 points in Scrabble (A 1 + L 1 + P 3 + H 4 + A 1) and 11 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #4,565 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with alpha
All rhymes- APOCRYPHA21
- PSEUDEPIGRAPHA25
- HYPHA16
- NYMPHA16
- SULPHA11
- EPHA9
- AGRAPHA13
- PENTALPHA16
- SYNALEPHA17
- SYNALOEPHA18
- YARPHA14
One letter away
- ALOHA8
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