alpha

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)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.
2. (countable, uncountable)Latin alpha: the Latin letter Ɑ (minuscule: ɑ).
3. (countable, uncountable)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.”

4. (countable, uncountable)The return of a given asset or portfolio adjusted for systematic risk.

   “Similarly, alphas are 2.33% larger than that of the equivalent monthly alphas using compounded returns while no changes can be found using arithmetic returns.”

   “To investment professionals, “alpha” is the return over and above the market return. If in a given year the S. & P. 500 returns fifteen per cent and an equity-fund manager generates a return of twenty per cent, his alpha is five per cent.”

5. (countable, uncountable)A person, especially a male, who is dominant, successful and attractive; (see alpha male).

   “Being a beta male in a species with alphas doesn't mean you have to sit out the mating game.”

   “I'm still turned on by alpha males. I think there are only a couple of other men that turn me on . . . ones that are clearly not alphas.”

   “This book is primarily for alpha males, or “top dogs.” We'll talk more about that later; but let's just say that if you are a man and successful in the world of trade, business, or profession, most likely you are an alpha, or you have been trained to act like an alpha.”

6. (abbreviation, alt-of, clipping, countable, informal, uncountable)Clipping of alphabet.
7. (countable, uncountable)The first versions of a program, usually only available to the developer, and only tested by the developer.

   “We will assume you got the .tgz version—later 2.x series versions such as 2.5.2 or 2.6.0 should be okay, provided they are production releases (not alphas, betas, or release candidates).”

8. (countable, uncountable)An angle of attack.
9. (countable, uncountable)The level of translucency of a color, as determined by the alpha channel.
10. (abbreviation, alt-of, countable, ellipsis, uncountable)Ellipsis of alpha layer.
11. (countable, uncountable)The significance level of a statistical test; the alpha level.
12. (countable, slang, uncountable)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.

    “Sometimes the alphas and omegas are rare, sometimes they are only males, sometimes they have altered sex organs.”

    “Sherlock realizes that John, despite being an alpha, sees and loves Sherlock for who he is, "a brilliant, mad, nutter of a man," instead of only wanting him for his reproductive functions, his ability to become pregnant.”

    “Contrary to the typical scenario expected in a dark A/B/O story, in this story both Hannibal and Will are alphas—but Hannibal wants Will to be his omega; subservient and submissive to him only.”

13. (alt-of, countable, uncountable)Alternative letter-case form of Alpha (“member of Generation Alpha”).

    “Some of these old standards will feel alien to zoomers and alphas.”

14. (alt-of)Alternative letter-case form of alpha.
15. A member of Generation Alpha.

    “They are being partially replaced by a new generation – the Alphas, which cover children aged nine or under and account for 12 per cent of all Australians.”

    “And if, as Twenge argues, the proliferation of internet-enabled devices is the defining factor in Gen Z’s profile — and the main root of its problems — the Alphas, or Polars, remain an open question.”

adj

1. (not-comparable)Designates the first in an order of precedence.

   “I am the alpha male.”

2. (not-comparable)Exhibiting characteristics of the alpha male/female archetype.

   “And thank you. Seriously. I'll call you later. You better. I'm feeling pretty alpha now. Yes, you are.”

3. (not-comparable)Designates some bright star, usually the brightest star, of a constellation.

   “When interstellar travel becomes feasible, I plan to visit Alpha Centauri.”

4. (abbreviation, alt-of, clipping, not-comparable)Clipping of alphabetical.

   “Sort the list in alpha order.”

name

1. A placename.
2. A placename.
3. A placename.
4. A placename.
5. A placename.
6. A placename.
7. Former name of the International Space Station.
8. A RISC CPU instruction set architecture developed and marketed by Digital Equipment Corporation (then later by Compaq and then Hewlett-Packard) from 1992 until 2004.