ἀ-

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

[edit] Ancient Greek

[edit] Alternative spellings

• ἀν- (Used before vowels)

[edit] Prefix

ἀ-

1. The alpha privativum, used to make words that have a sense opposite to the word (or stem) to which the prefix is attached. It is also known as privative a and alpha privative.
2. The alpha copulativum, used to express unity; e.g. in α- δελφός "brother" literally "from the same womb". Also known as copulative a and a athroistikon.
3. The alpha intensivum, used to strengthen the force of compounds.
4. The alpha euphonicum, used to soften pronunciation before two consonants.