alpha
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++al·pha /ˈælfə/ noun [countable usually singular] 1. SLASLAthe first letter of the Greek alphabet 阿尔法〔希腊字母表的第一个字母，即A，α〕2 the alpha and omega formal the start and finish of something, and therefore the whole of it 首尾，始终；全部 Collective bargaining was viewed as the alpha and omega of trade unionism. 集体谈判被视为工会主义的全部法宝。
Examples from the Corpus
alpha• Fresh soil samples, taken recently in the presence of journalists, are currently being investigated for gamma rays and alpha particles.• The isotopes give off long-lasting alpha radiation and the waste will remain dangerous for 3000 years or more.• Recordings of sleep-deprived subjects have shown a reduction in the amplitude of alpha rhythms.• The radiation emitted by these isotopes consists of alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.• Glucagon is produced in the pancreas by the alpha cells.• Hemoglobin F, or fetal hemoglobin, is composed of two alpha chains and two gamma chains. 214.From Longman Business Dictionaryalphaal‧pha /ˈælfə/ noun [countable] another name for alpha versionOrigin alpha (1200-1300) Latin Greekal·pha nounChineseSyllable
alphabet the first Greek Corpus Business of letter the
alpha
al‧pha /ˈælfə/
noun [countable usually singular]
2. the alpha and omega formal the start and finish of something, and therefore the whole of it:
Collective bargaining was viewed as the alpha and omega of trade unionism.
al‧pha /ˈælfə/
noun [countable usually singular] Date: 1200-1300
Language: Latin
Origin: Greek
1. the first letter of the Greek alphabetLanguage: Latin
Origin: Greek
2. the alpha and omega formal the start and finish of something, and therefore the whole of it: