Omicron

/ˈɑːməkrɑːn,ˈəʊməkrɑːn/
noun

Omicron is the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet.

In the Greek alphabet, 'omicron' comes after 'xi' and before 'pi'.
Visual representation of "omicron" - Omicron is the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet.

Often appears as...

  • greek alphabet
  • small omicron

Usage tips

Academic

noun

In science, 'omicron' is used to name a variant of something, especially for diseases or viruses.

The omicron variant of COVID-19 has caused concern among global health officials.
Visual representation of "omicron" - In science, 'omicron' is used to name a variant of something, especially for diseases or viruses.

Often appears as...

  • omicron variant
  • omicron strain

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Technical

noun

Omicron is the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet.

In the Greek alphabet, 'omicron' comes after 'xi' and before 'pi'.
Visual representation of "omicron" - Omicron is the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet.

Often appears as...

  • greek alphabet
  • small omicron

Usage tips

Academic

noun

In science, 'omicron' is used to name a variant of something, especially for diseases or viruses.

The omicron variant of COVID-19 has caused concern among global health officials.
Visual representation of "omicron" - In science, 'omicron' is used to name a variant of something, especially for diseases or viruses.

Often appears as...

  • omicron variant
  • omicron strain

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "omicron"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Pronunciation

The 'o' in 'omicron' is short, like in 'off', not long as in 'mode'.

Illustration for Pronunciation
Pronounce it 'AH-muh-krahn', not 'oh-MEE-kron'.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Numeric

'Omicron' represents a letter, not a number, unlike Roman numerals.

Illustration for Not Numeric
'Omicron' is a letter, just like 'A' in the English alphabet.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Greek Origin

Knowing 'omicron' is Greek helps when encountering other Greek terms in English.

Illustration for Greek Origin
After learning 'omicron', Greek words like 'epsilon' or 'beta' will feel familiar.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Pronunciation

The 'o' in 'omicron' is short, like in 'off', not long as in 'mode'.

Illustration for Pronunciation
Pronounce it 'AH-muh-krahn', not 'oh-MEE-kron'.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Numeric

'Omicron' represents a letter, not a number, unlike Roman numerals.

Illustration for Not Numeric
'Omicron' is a letter, just like 'A' in the English alphabet.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Greek Origin

Knowing 'omicron' is Greek helps when encountering other Greek terms in English.

Illustration for Greek Origin
After learning 'omicron', Greek words like 'epsilon' or 'beta' will feel familiar.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Pronunciation

The 'o' in 'omicron' is short, like in 'off', not long as in 'mode'.

Illustration for Pronunciation
Pronounce it 'AH-muh-krahn', not 'oh-MEE-kron'.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Numeric

'Omicron' represents a letter, not a number, unlike Roman numerals.

Illustration for Not Numeric
'Omicron' is a letter, just like 'A' in the English alphabet.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Greek Origin

Knowing 'omicron' is Greek helps when encountering other Greek terms in English.

Illustration for Greek Origin
After learning 'omicron', Greek words like 'epsilon' or 'beta' will feel familiar.
Visual representation of the word "Omicron"

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