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

The company says the "beta" Haul shopping experience will see all products sold backed by its product guarantees to provide confidence about their safety.

From BBC

Benny and OllMS, who both had access to the beta version, are excited for the game because of some of the newer features.

From BBC

We were part of the group unknowingly beta testing the conflation of health, vitality and luxury shopping.

From Los Angeles Times

He whined about the moderators "fact-checking" him —- a real beta boy move.

From Salon

Caring about poor defenseless creatures is usually coded as liberal and beta and perhaps even a plot to make us all eat more bugs and soy.

From Salon