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Alpha
Alpha (uppercase Α, lowercase α; Ancient Greek: ἄλφα, álpha, modern pronunciation álfa) is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals, it has a value of 1.
It was derived from the Phoenician and Hebrew letter aleph – an ox or leader.Letters that arose from alpha include the Latin A and the Cyrillic letter А.
In English, the noun “alpha” is used as a synonym for “beginning”, or “first” (in a series), reflecting its Greek roots.
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Alpha (noun)
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.
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Alpha (noun)
The name of the symbols Α and α used in science and mathematics, often interchangeable with the symbols when used as a prefix.
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Alpha (noun)
The return of a given asset or portfolio adjusted for systematic risk.
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Alpha (noun)
A person, especially a male, who is dominant, successful and attractive; (see alpha male).
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Alpha (noun)
Alphabet.
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Alpha (noun)
The first versions of a program, usually only available to the developer, and only tested by the developer.
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Alpha (noun)
The level of translucency of a color, as determined by the alpha channel.
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Alpha (noun)
The significance level of a statistical test; the alpha level.
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Alpha (adjective)
Designates the first in an order of precedence.
“I am the alpha male.”
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Alpha (adjective)
female archetype.
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Alpha (adjective)
Designates some bright star, usually the brightest star, of a constellation.
“When space travel becomes feasible, I plan to visit Alpha Centauri.”
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Alfa (noun)
The letter A in the ICAO spelling alphabet