noun

1. 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.

2. Latin alpha

3. The name of the symbols Α and α used in science and mathematics, often interchangeable with the symbols when used as a prefix.

   "I will attempt to make an alpha particle ("α-particle") with the Large Hadron Collider."

4. The return of a given asset or portfolio adjusted for systematic risk.

5. A person, especially a male, who is dominant, successful and attractive; (see alpha male).

6. (abbreviation) Alphabet.

7. The first versions of a program, usually only available to the developer, and only tested by the developer.

8. The level of translucency of a color, as determined by the alpha channel.

9. The significance level of a statistical test; the alpha level.

10. In omegaverse fiction, a person of a sexually-dominant (and sometimes secondary) gender/sex that is driven by biology, magic, or other means to bond with an omega, with males of this type often having canine-like genitalia.