Alpha

Alpha is the name of the first letter of the Greek alphabet. It has Semitic origin. cf. Phoenician 'alp' which literally means 'ox', and Hebrew 'aleph'.

This word is also used to denote the first thing of a series or categories or something.

In astronomy, when the word alpha is followed by a Latin genitive, it represents a star, particularly the brightest one in the constellation.

A socially dominant individual in a group of animals is also referred to as alpha, such as alpha male.

Nearby pages
Alpha and Omega, Alpha blocker, Alpha Centauri, Alpha globulin, Alpha in Jensen Index