alpha
[ˈaɫ.pʰa]
The word alpha in Latin refers to the name of the letter Α, α.
alpha is used to denote the name of the letter Α or α.
Meaning: name of the letter Α, α (noun)
Did you know?
- In Latin scientific and astronomical contexts, alpha is used to designate the brightest star in a constellation, such as Alpha Centauri.
- In medieval Latin manuscripts, scribes sometimes used the Greek letter α as a shorthand symbol for 'beginning' or 'first' instead of writing the full word.
- Despite its use in Latin, alpha does not change its form when used as a name for the letter in most grammatical cases, acting as an indeclinable noun.
Examples in context
- Homines optiones venerantur. Alpha non eligit. Inevitationem efficit.Humans worship choices. Alpha doesn't choose. It executes inevitability.This sentence illustrates the use of alpha in a context regarding inevitability.Tatoeba #13514511 by carlosalberto, translation #13514435 by carlosalberto
- Alpha et omega sunt duo extrema litterarum alphabeti.Alpha and omega are the two extremes of the letters of the alphabet.
- Alpha est prima littera.Alpha is the first letter.
- In tabula alpha scribitur.Alpha is written on the tablet.
Example conversation
Quintus and Claudia are studying a Greek text together.
- QuintusQuid est haec littera, Claudia?What is this letter, Claudia?
- ClaudiaHoc est alpha, Quinte.This is alpha, Quintus.
- QuintusEstne alpha prima littera?Is alpha the first letter?
- ClaudiaIta, alpha est prima.Yes, alpha is the first.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alpha” translations and entries alpha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
