ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ALFA

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈæɫfə// al·fa Informal

n. the first letter of the NATO phonetic alphabet, used to represent the letter 'A' clearly over the radio. It is also a common spelling for 'alpha', meaning the first or most important part of a group.

n. the code word for the letter 'A' in the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet. Often used as an alternative spelling for 'alpha' to denote the primary or dominant member of a hierarchy.


SIMPLE

The pilot confirmed the coordinates starting with ALFA.

CONTEXTUAL

During the radio check, the operator used ALFA to ensure there was no confusion with the letter 'E'.

COMPLEX

In maritime communication, the ALFA flag indicates that a vessel has a diver down and that other ships should keep well clear at slow speed.

Usage

Commonly used in aviation, military, and maritime contexts to prevent phonetic ambiguity.

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