ALPHA Definition & Meaning

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alpha

[ al-fuh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the first letter of the Greek alphabet (A, α).
the vowel sound represented by the first letter of the Greek alphabet.
the first; the beginning.
Alpha, Astronomy. used to designate the brightest star in a constellation:
Alpha Arietis is the brightest star in Aries.
Chemistry. one of two or more isomeric compounds.
the first in a series of related items: frequently used in chemistry and physics.
Computers. an early phase of hardware or software development, in which the product is tested by its developers or manufacturers: alpha test ( def ).
Some modules are complete and ready for consumers while others are still in alpha.
Chiefly British. a mark or grade corresponding to an A. Compare beta ( def 9 ), gamma ( def 9 ).
alpha male ( def ).

adjective

1. (of an animal) having the highest rank in a dominance hierarchy:
  the alpha female of an elephant pack.
2. being the most dominant, powerful, or assertive person in a particular group.
3. Slang: Sometimes Disparaging. being or relating to a man who is perceived to be assertive, successful, and sexually dominant.
alphabetical:
Put the files in alpha order.
Computers. being, relating to, or undergoing the early phase of product development in which a product is tested by its developers or manufacturers: alpha test ( def ).
The initial release is really an alpha version only available to developers.
Chemistry. relating to or linked to the carbon atom closest to a particular group in an organic molecule.

alpha

/ ˈæ��ə /

noun

the first letter in the Greek alphabet (Α, α), a vowel transliterated as a
the highest grade or mark, as in an examination
modifier
1. involving or relating to helium-4 nuclei
  an alpha particle
2. relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solid
  alpha iron
3. relating to one of two or more isomeric forms of a chemical compound, esp one in which a group is attached to the carbon atom to which the principal group is attached
modifier denoting the dominant person or animal in a group
the alpha male

Alpha

/ ˈæ��ə /

noun

foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation usually the brightest star in a constellation
Alpha Centauri
communications a code word for the letter a

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of alpha¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; from Latin, from Greek á��, from Phoenician 'lp “ox,” also the name of the first letter of the Phoenician alphabet; aleph

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of alpha¹

via Latin from Greek, of Phoenician origin; related to Hebrew ��, literally: ox

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Perhaps more than anything, “Heartbreaker” is a primer on how to effectively work in a band with an alpha male.

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Dancing at their wedding reception, however, she claims he told her, "I am the alpha in this relationship."

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"In EastEnders, I played an alpha male that wore a pink dressing gown. I was a very sensitive soul."

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You note that there's a whole literature about alpha males, and about coalitions forming against them when they get out of control.

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To that end, the Spectacle encourages alienation and fragmentation: ‘the alpha and omega of the spectacle is separation.”

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