beta
[ bey-tuh or, esp. British, bee- ]
/ ˈbeɪ tə or, esp. British, ˈbi- /
noun
Origin of beta
Words nearby beta
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)
- involving or relating to electronsbeta emitter
- relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solidbeta iron
- 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
[ bā′tə, 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.