Added 9 October 2026
alpha
/ˈæl.fə/ noun
In Latin: alpha Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about alpha at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- 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.
- Latin alpha: the Latin letter Ɑ (minuscule: ɑ).
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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.
adjective
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Designates the first in an order of precedence.
I am the alpha male.
- Exhibiting characteristics of the alpha male/female archetype.
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Designates some bright star, usually the brightest star, of a constellation.
When interstellar travel becomes feasible, I plan to visit Alpha Centauri.
Origin
From the Ancient Greek ἄλφα (álpha), the first letter of the Greek alphabet, from the Phoenician 𐤀 (ʾ, “aleph”). Doublet of alif and aleph.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)