alpha

The definition of alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet.

(noun)

An example of alpha can be seen in many Greek fraternity or sorority names such as Alpha Sigma Lambda.

Alpha is defined as the beginning of something.

(noun)

An example of alpha as the beginning of something is when it is used in the scripture Revelations 22:13 to refer to God.

Alpha is the highest level in a group, or the best.

(adjective)

An example of alpha is when it is used to describe a dog who is the leader of the pack.

See alpha in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the first letter of the Greek alphabet (Α, α)
the beginning of anything
Astron. the name assigned to the brightest star in each constellation: followed by the constellation's name in the genitive case, as Alpha Centauri

Origin: Gr < NW Sem: cf. Heb alef, aleph

adjective

designating or of the socially dominant member of a group, esp. of a group of animals: the alpha male
Chem. designating the first of two or more positions in which the substituting atom or radical appears relative to some particular carbon atom in an organic compound: usually written α-: the other positions, in order, are beta (β-), gamma (γ-), delta (δ-), etc.

See alpha in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The first letter of the Greek alphabet. See Table at alphabet.
The first one; the beginning.
Chemistry The first position from a designated carbon atom in an organic molecule at which an atom or radical may be substituted.
Astronomy The brightest or main star in a constellation.
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.

adjective

Being the highest ranked or most dominant individual of one's sex. Used of social animals: the alpha female of the wolf pack.
Chemistry Closest to the functional group of atoms in an organic molecule.
Alphabetical.

Origin:

Origin: Greek

Origin: , of Phoenician origin; see אlp in Semitic roots

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