what is a alpha

Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/alpha

In general, the term "alpha" can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are a few common definitions:

1. Alpha (Α or α) is the first letter of the Greek alphabet.

2. In finance, "alpha" refers to a measure of an investment's performance compared to a market index. It quantifies the difference between an investment's actual returns and its expected returns. Positive alpha indicates that the investment has outperformed the market, while negative alpha suggests underperformance.

3. In animal behavior, particularly within social hierarchies, "alpha" often refers to the dominant individual in a group. This concept originates from studies on wolf packs, where the alpha wolf is seen as the leader.

If you have a specific context or further information about what kind of "alpha" you are referring to, please let me know, and I will be glad to provide you with a more specific explanation.