beta
the second letter of the Greek alphabet (β, B).
the consonant sound represented by the second letter of the Greek alphabet.
Beta, Astronomy. a star that is usually the second brightest of a constellation: The second brightest star in Taurus is Beta Tauri.
Chemistry.
one of the possible positions of an atom or group in a compound.
one of two or more isomeric compounds.
the second of any series, as in chemistry or physics.
Also called be·ta co·ef·fi·cient [bey-tuh-koh-uh-fish-uhnt; or, especially British, bee-], /ˈbeɪ tə ˌkoʊ ə fɪʃ ənt; or, especially British, ˈbi-/, 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.
Computers. the phase of hardware or software development in which a beta test occurs: Our newest product, currently in beta with new features being added regularly, is perfect for busy professionals who need to organize their calendars.
Beta, Trademark. a brand of tape format for VCR tape, incompatible with other formats.: Compare VHS.
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).
Computers. being, relating to, or undergoing the phase of product development in which a beta test occurs: The beta version of the new game, featuring a four-player mode, will be unveiled next month.
(of an animal) having the second-highest rank in a dominance hierarchy: the beta female in a pack of meerkats.
Slang: Sometimes Disparaging. being or relating to a man who is perceived to be weak, mild-mannered, and unimpressive.
Origin of beta
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use beta in a sentence
There were seven Rep Rho Betas on seven moth-eaten ponies which they had dug up from goodness knows where.
At Good Old Siwash | George Fitch
British Dictionary definitions for beta (1 of 2)
/ (ˈbiːtə) /
the second letter in the Greek alphabet (Β, β), a consonant, transliterated as b
the second highest grade or mark, as in an examination
(modifier)
involving or relating to electrons: beta emitter
relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solid: beta iron
relating to one of two or more isomeric forms of a chemical compound
Origin of beta
1British Dictionary definitions for Beta (2 of 2)
/ (ˈbiːtə) /
(foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation) a star in a constellation, usually the second brightest: Beta Persei
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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