1. plural of alpha; the first letters of the Greek alphabet
2. dominant individuals in a group, especially in animal behavior or social hierarchies
Usage: biology; informal
3. early test versions of software or products
Usage: technology

Examples

• The students practiced writing Greek alphas and betas.
• In wolf packs, the alphas lead the hunting expeditions.
• The software company released several alphas before the beta version.
• Researchers studied the behavior of alphas in primate groups.
• The game developers are testing multiple alphas with different features.
• Ancient Greek inscriptions show various forms of alphas.
• The alphas in the corporate hierarchy made all major decisions.