noun
Common
Alpha
Alpha (noun) means the first letter of the Greek alphabet, often used to mean "first" or "primary". Example: “In physics, alpha particles are a type of radiation.”
noun
1
The first letter of the Greek alphabet, often used to mean "first" or "primary".
"In physics, alpha particles are a type of radiation."
adj
1
Dominant or first in rank within a group.
"He acted like the alpha of the friend group."
How to use Alpha
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe first letter of the Greek alphabet, and by extension, "the dominant one" or "the first version" (as in software).
Common pairings
alpha male
alpha version
alpha and omega
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In physics, _____ particles are a type of radiation.
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Alpha” mean?
The word “Alpha” means the first letter of the Greek alphabet, often used to mean "first" or "primary". In plain terms, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and by extension, "the dominant one" or "the first version" (as in software).
How do you use “Alpha” in a sentence?
Here is “Alpha” used in a sentence: “In physics, alpha particles are a type of radiation.”
What part of speech is “Alpha”?
Depending on how it is used, “Alpha” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “Alpha” a common word?
“Alpha” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Alpha” have?
“Alpha” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the first letter of the Greek alphabet, often used to mean "first" or "primary".
What is the difference between "alpha" and "beta"?
Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and often means "first" or "primary," while beta is the second letter and commonly means secondary or a later stage. In software, an alpha version comes before the more refined beta version.
What is the difference between "alpha" and "omega"?
Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and omega is the last, so together "alpha and omega" is used to mean the beginning and the end, or the entirety of something.
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