First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1alpha
noun al·pha \ˈal-fə\
: the first letter of the Greek alphabet
Full Definition of ALPHA
1
: the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet — see alphabet table
2
: something that is first : beginning
3
4
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Origin of ALPHA
Middle English, from Latin, from Greek, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew āleph aleph
Related to ALPHA
2alpha
adjective
: having the most power in a group of animals or people
Full Definition of ALPHA
1
: closest in the structure of an organic molecule to a particular group or atom —symbol α <α-substitution>
2
: socially dominant especially in a group of animals <an alpha male>
3
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First Known Use of ALPHA
1842
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