Crossword Genius

Start of alphabet, in more ways than one (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alpha

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'start of alphabet in more ways' is the definition.
'alpha' can be an answer for 'start' (alpha is a kind of start). I'm not sure about the 'of alphabet in more ways' bit.

'than one' is the wordplay.
'than' becomes 'alph' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'one' becomes 'a' (a thing is one thing).
'alph'+'a'='ALPHA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alpha that I've seen before include "letter written in Greek" , "Early testing stage for new software or hardware" , "Leading Greek character" , "high mark" , "starter" .)

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app