noun

• (sciences) 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."
• (finance) The return of a given asset or portfolio adjusted for systematic risk.
  "Similarly, alphas are 2.33% larger than that of the equivalent monthly alphas using compounded returns while no changes can be found using arithmetic returns."
• (informal) Clipping of alphabet.
• (software engineering) The first versions of a program, usually only available to the developer, and only tested by the developer.
  "We will assume you got the .tgz version—later 2.x series versions such as 2.5.2 or 2.6.0 should be okay, provided they are production releases (not alphas, betas, or release candidates)."

adj

• (of person, object or action) Exhibiting characteristics of the alpha male/female archetype.
  "And thank you. Seriously. I'll call you later. You better. I'm feeling pretty alpha now. Yes, you are."
• (astronomy) Designates some bright star, usually the brightest star, of a constellation.
  "When interstellar travel becomes feasible, I plan to visit Alpha Centauri."

name

• (computing) A RISC CPU instruction set architecture developed and marketed by Digital Equipment Corporation (then later by Compaq and then Hewlett-Packard) from 1992 until 2004.