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

• the Little Bear
• the little woman
• the living
• the living theatre
• the long and the short
• the long and the short of it
• the long arm of the law
• the long robe
• the Lord's anointed
• the Lord's tokens
• the lot
• the Low Countries
• the lowest of the low
• the lump
• thelytokies
• thelytokous
• thelytoky
• them
• thema
• the main chance
• them and us
• the Man of Sin
• the Mansion House
• the many
• themata