alpha: Meaning and Definition of

al•pha

1. the first letter of the Greek alphabet (A, &agr;).
2. the vowel sound represented by this letter.
3. the first; beginning.
4. (cap.)used to designate the brightest star in a constellation.
5. one of two or more isomeric compounds.
6. the first in a series of related items: frequently used in chemistry and physics.
7. a mark or grade corresponding to an A. Cf. beta (def. 8),(def. 9).

1. (esp. of animals) having the highest rank of its sex in a dominance hierarchy: the alpha female.
2. pertaining or linked to the carbon atom closest to a particular group in an organic molecule.