be|ta

be|ta «BAY tuh, BEE-», noun.

1. the second letter of the Greek alphabet, corresponding to English B, b.

2. the second of a series.

3. the second brightest star of a constellation.

4. one of several possible positions of atoms or groups of atoms which are substituted in a chemical compound.

5. a number indicating the volatility of a stock.

6. a trial or preliminary version of a product or system: »

beta version of new computer technology.

╂[< Latin bēta < Greek bêta]