beta

American  

[bey-tuh, bee-] / ˈbeɪ tə, ˈbi- /

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. Astronomy. Beta, 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.

   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 beta coefficient.  Also called beta line.  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. Trademark. Beta, a brand of tape format for VCR tape, incompatible with other formats.

9. Chiefly British. a grade showing that a student is in the middle or second of three scholastic sections in a class.

10. beta male.

---

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.

   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 British  

/ 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 British  

/ ˈbiːtə /

noun

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

   Beta Persei

---

Etymology

Origin of beta

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

Example Sentences

Starting with a beta version this spring, certain customers will be able to translate phone calls in more than 50 languages, the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pony AI’s share price has experienced some volatility and is high beta in nature, UBS says.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company recently announced a partnership with OpenAI that it said would help expand beta access to the agent.

From Barron's

One leading explanation focuses on amyloid beta, a protein fragment that can accumulate in the brain and harm neurons.

From Science Daily

Its beta—a common measure of volatility—is 1.99 across the last 90 days, meaning the shares have been about twice as volatile as the broader market.

From Barron's