alpha /alˈfə/

1. The first letter of the Greek alphabet (Α or α)
2. The first or brightest star of a constellation
3. The beginning
4. In classification, the first or one of the first grade
5. As an ancient Greek numeral αˈ = 1 ˌα

= 1000

1. Short for alphabetical (informal or computing)
2. In chemical classification, designating one of two or more isomeric forms of a compound
3. Being the most powerful or influential member of a group

alphametˈic noun

A popular mathematical puzzle in which numbers are replaced by letters forming words

alˈpha-blocker noun

A drug used to make blood vessels dilate, esp in muscle

alpha-chlorˈalose noun

A narcotic poison used in bait, eg to control vermin

alpha decay noun

Radioactive decay involving the emission of alpha particles

alpha-fētōprōˈtein noun

A protein whose presence in excessive quantities in amniotic fluid has been found to correlate with certain fetal abnormalities, eg those leading to spina bifida

alpha-hydroxy acid noun

Any of various weak organic acids used in cosmetics

alphanūmerˈic or alphanūmerˈical adjective

Consisting of, or (of a machine) using, both letters and numbers (also alphamerˈic or alphamerˈical)

alphanūmerˈically or alphamerˈically adverb

alpha particle noun (physics)

A helium nucleus given off by radioactive substances

alpha radiation or alpha rays noun (physics)

A stream of alpha particles

alpha rhythm or alpha wave noun

One of the principal slow waves recorded on an electroencephalogram indicating normal relaxed brain activity

alˈphasort transitive verb (computing)

To sort, esp into alphabetical order (also noun)

alˈphatest transitive verb

To perform an alpha test on

alpha test noun

An initial test (cf beta test) of a product (eg new computer software) by its developers

alpha wave see alpha rhythm above.

alpha and omega

Beginning and end

Alpha or alpha /alˈfə/

(in international radio communication) a code word for the letter a

• riding cloak
• riding cloaks
• riding clothes
• riding coat
• riding coats
• riding committee
• riding committees
• riding crop
• riding crops
• riding glove
• riding gloves
• riding habit
• riding habits
• riding high
• riding hood
• riding hoods
• riding horse
• riding horses
• riding-interest
• riding-interests
• riding light
• riding lights
• riding master
• riding masters
• riding-rhyme