beta

[ bey-tuh; or, especially British, bee- ]

noun

1. the second letter of the Greek alphabet (β, B).
2. the consonant sound represented by the second letter of the Greek alphabet.
3. Beta, Astronomy. a star that is usually the second brightest of a constellation:

   The second brightest star in Taurus is Beta Tauri.

4. Chemistry.
   1. one of the possible positions of an atom or group in a compound.
   2. one of two or more isomeric compounds.
5. the second of any series, as in chemistry or physics.
6. Computers. the phase of hardware or software development in which a product is tested in the environment for which it was designed: beta test ( def 2 ).

   Our newest product, currently in beta with new features being added regularly, is perfect for busy professionals who need to organize their calendars.

7. Also called be·ta co·ef·fi·cient [bey, -t, uh, koh-, uh, -fish-, uh, nt, bee, -], Stock Exchange. an arbitrary measure of the volatility of a given stock using an index of the volatility of the market as a whole:

   A beta of 1.1 indicates a stock that is 10 percent more volatile than the market.

8. Beta, Trademark. a brand of tape format for VCR tape, incompatible with other formats. Compare VHS.
9. Chiefly British. a grade showing that a student is in the middle or second of three scholastic sections in a class. Compare alpha ( def 8 ), gamma ( def 9 ).
10. beta male ( def ).

adjective

1. Computers. being, relating to, or undergoing the phase of product development in which a product is tested in the environment for which it was designed: beta test ( def 2 ).

   The beta version of the new game, featuring a four-player mode, will be unveiled next month.

2. 1. (of an animal) having the second-highest rank in a dominance hierarchy:

      the beta female in a pack of meerkats.

   2. Slang: Sometimes Disparaging. being or relating to a man who is perceived to be weak, mild-mannered, and unimpressive.

beta

¹

/ ˈbiːtə /

noun

1. the second letter in the Greek alphabet (Β, β), a consonant, transliterated as b
2. the second highest grade or mark, as in an examination
3. modifier
   1. involving or relating to electrons

      beta emitter

   2. relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solid

      beta iron

   3. relating to one of two or more isomeric forms of a chemical compound

Beta

²

/ ˈbiːtə /

noun

1. foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation a star in a constellation, usually the second brightest

   Beta Persei

Word History and Origins

Origin of beta¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin, from Greek bêta, from Phoenician bt “house,” also the name of the second letter of the Phoenician alphabet; beth

Word History and Origins

Origin of beta¹

from Greek bēta , from Hebrew; see beth

Example Sentences

Beta thalassemia mainly affects people of Mediterranean, south Asian, south-east Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds.

From BBC

Instead, she spent part of the day speaking to a crowd from the historically black sorority Zeta Phi Beta.

From BBC

Earlier on Wednesday, she addressed the historically black Zeta Phi Beta sorority in Indianapolis, telling members that her new campaign is "not playing around" and asked for their help to get elected.

From BBC

The women of Zeta Phi Beta, she said, had marched for voting rights and the end of segregation during the Civil Rights era.

From Los Angeles Times

Members of the fraternity Zeta Beta Tau said their house manager was stabbed by a homeless person last year in the same alley.

From Los Angeles Times