omega

o-me-ga · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The 24th and last letter of the Greek alphabet (Ω, ω).

  2. 2.

    The last or final element in a series; the end or conclusion.

  3. 3.

    (biology/nutrition) Used in compounds to refer to certain fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6).

Forms

plural: omegas

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    alpha and omega — The beginning and the end; the essential elements
  • •
    omega-3 fatty acids — Essential fatty acids found in fish and certain plants
  • •
    omega point — A theoretical final point of evolution or maximum complexity

Related words

Antonyms: alpha
See also: Greek, alpha, letter

Etymology

From Greek omega (ὦ μέγα), literally "great O," as opposed to omicron ("little O"). It represents the long "o" sound in ancient Greek.