beta Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the 2nd letter of the Greek alphabet
   
2. noun beets
   genus Beta.
   
3. adjective satellite second in order of importance
   
   • the candidate, considered a beta male, was perceived to be unable to lead his party to victory
4. adjective satellite preliminary or testing stage of a software or hardware product
   
   • a beta version
   • beta software

WordNet