Meaning of alpha in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈælfə/

   US accent

   How to pronounce alpha in American English, in context ▾
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   UK accent

   How to pronounce alpha in British English, in context ▾
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1. Classifying Adjective

   alpha

   Definitions

   1. first in order of importance

   Examples

   • « the alpha male in the group of chimpanzees »
   • « the alpha star in a constellation is the brightest or main star »

   Synonyms

   • important
   • of import
2. 2. early testing stage of a software or hardware product

   Examples

   • « alpha version »

   Synonyms

   • exploratory
   • explorative

3. Noun

   alpha

   Etymology

   via Latin from Greek

   Definitions

   1. the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet
4. 2. the beginning of a series or sequence

   Examples

   • « the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end--Revelations »