beta

[ bey-tuh or, esp. British, bee- ]
/ ˈbeɪ tə or, esp. British, ˈbi- /

noun

Origin of beta

< Latin < Greek bêta < Semitic; compare Hebrew bēth beth

Example sentences from the Web for beta

British Dictionary definitions for beta (1 of 2)

beta
/ (ˈbiːtə) /

noun

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)
  1. involving or relating to electronsbeta emitter
  2. relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solidbeta iron
  3. relating to one of two or more isomeric forms of a chemical compound

Word Origin for beta

from Greek bēta, from Hebrew; see beth

British Dictionary definitions for beta (2 of 2)

Beta
/ (ˈbiːtə) /

noun

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

Medical definitions for beta

beta
[ bātə, bē- ]

n.

The second letter of the Greek alphabet.
The second item in a series or system of classification.
A beta particle.
A beta ray.

adj.

Of or relating to the second position from a designated carbon atom in an organic molecule at which an atom or a radical may be substituted.
Of or relating to an isomeric variation of a chemical compound, such as a stereoisomer.