Meaning & Definition of word "Beta"
Beta
/ˈbeɪtə/
noun:
- 1. The second letter of the Greek alphabet (Β, β), often used to denote the second in a series.
- Example: The variable was assigned the value of beta to indicate it was the second in the series.
- 2. A version of software or a product that is still in the testing phase and not yet released to the general public.
- Example: I downloaded the beta version of the app to help identify bugs before its official release.
- 3. In finance, a measure of the volatility of a stock or portfolio in relation to the market as a whole.
- Example: The beta of the stock was calculated to determine its risk compared to the overall market.
adjective:
- 1. Referring to a testing phase of a product, especially software, that comes before full release.
- Example: The beta features of the software are still being developed and may change before the final version.
Etymology
●From Greek 'beta', the second letter of the Greek alphabet.
Common Phrases and Expressions
beta testing:
The process of testing a beta version of a product by users before its final release.
beta male:
A term often used in social dynamics to describe a man who is less assertive than an alpha male.
Related Words
alpha:
The first version or a dominant individual in a social hierarchy.
gamma:
The third letter of the Greek alphabet, sometimes used in similar contexts.
Slang Meanings of beta
Meaning: A submissive or less dominant male.
● Example Sentence: He's such a beta; he always lets his friends take charge.
Meaning: Someone who is overly cautious or indecisive.
● Example Sentence: Stop being a beta and just take the leap.