noun
alpha
A value specifying how transparent a digital image element is.
The designer lowers the image's alpha to reveal the layer beneath.
Etymology
Greek alpha supplies the name of the letter α. In graphics, that letter labels a compositing value, so its name also identifies the value controlling an image element’s transparency.
More examples
- The file includes an alpha channel for transparency.
- Changing alpha makes the shadow appear less opaque.
- The rendering program preserves each pixel's alpha value.
Similar words
- opacity
- Describes how fully an element hides what lies behind it.
- transparency
- Describes how readily underlying material can be seen.