Definition of "alpha" []

• The first letter of the Greek alphabet. See Table at alphabet. (noun)
• The first one; the beginning. (noun)
• Chemistry The first position from a designated carbon atom in an organic molecule at which an atom or radical may be substituted. (noun)
• Astronomy The brightest or main star in a constellation. (noun)
• The mathematical estimate of the return on a security when the return on the market as a whole is zero. Alpha is derived from a in the formula Ri = a + bRm, which measures the return on a security (Ri) for a given return on the market (Rm) where b is beta. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "If one of the four α loci is affected, alpha minor or alpha+ thalassemia trait or alpha thalassemia trait, type 2 results and there is minimal effect."
• "Zandl invented the term alpha consumer, and she's the closest thing the trend business has to a founder."
• "Mech explains that the term alpha is rarely used today by wolf biologists."