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Added 7 October 2026

beta

/ˈbiːtə/ noun

In Latin: bēta Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about beta at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The second letter of the Greek alphabet (Β, β), preceded by alpha (Α, α) and followed by gamma, (Γ, γ). In modern Greek it represents the voiced labiodental fricative sound of v found in the English words have and vase.
An academic grade better than a gamma and worse than an alpha.
Average sensitivity of a security's price to overall securities market prices.

adjective

Identifying a molecular position in an organic chemical compound.
Designates the second in an order of precedence.
Preliminary; prerelease. Refers to an incomplete version of a product released for initial testing.

verb

To preliminarily release computer software for initial testing prior to final release.
To beta-read a text.

noun

a term of endearment, used towards someone of equal or lower standing such as a friend or child, similar to brother or son
Don't pick that up, beta, it's dirty.

Origin

Borrowed from Ancient Greek βῆτᾰ (bêtă). Doublet of beth.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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