Al|pha

al|pha «AL fuh», noun, adjective.

–n.

1. the first letter of the Greek alphabet, corresponding to the English A, a.

2. the beginning; first in a series.

3. the first, largest, or other most important feature of a series, especially as a symbol.

4. one of several possible positions of atoms or groups which are substituted in a compound: »

alpha iron.

–adj.

socially dominant in a group of animals or people:»

The most powerful man in the world, the most alpha of all alpha males (New York Times).

╂[< Latin alpha < Greek álpha < Semitic (compare Hebrew 'āleph the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet)]

Al|pha «AL fuh», noun.

the principal (usually, the brightest) star in a constellation. Thus, the polestar is referred to by astronomers as Alpha Ursae Minoris (α Ursae Minoris), because it is the principal star in the constellation Ursa Minor.