beta

Everyday

1. Beta (β) is the second letter of the Greek alphabet, after alpha. tree →
2. A beta version of a game, app or program is an early version that is being tested by users before the final one. tree →
3. (science) Beta is used in names, like beta rays (a kind of radiation) and beta-carotene (the orange colour in carrots). tree →
4. (slang) «Beta» is used online as an insult for a weak or shy person; it is unkind. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science lessons, Greek letters label angles and quantities: α (alpha), β (beta), γ (gamma). «Alphabet» comes from alpha + beta. In computing and gaming, «beta testing» means trying out a new program to find bugs. In science later, beta radiation is one of three kinds (alpha, beta, gamma). The slang meaning is a put-down from online talk; it is not kind. Phrases: «beta version», «beta test», «alpha and beta», «beta-carotene».

Examples

• β is the Greek letter beta. tree →
• «Alphabet» comes from the Greek letters alpha and beta. tree →
• My brother joined the beta test of a new game. tree →
• The app is still in beta, so it has some bugs. tree →
• Carrots get their orange colour from beta-carotene. tree →
• In the diagram, angle beta is 40 degrees. tree →
• (slang) Calling someone «beta» online is a mean put-down. tree →

Note

Say it "BEE-ta" (UK) or "BAY-ta" (US). Plural «betas». In maths, β is a label for a number or angle, not a fixed value. «Alpha» (first, top) and «beta» (second, test) often appear together.