beta

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: Be=ta

CIDE DICTIONARY

beta, n. [Gr. bh^ta.].

 The second letter of the Greek alphabet, B, B, and cf. etymology of Alphabet.
"Beta (B, (a) (Astron.) To designate some bright star, usually the second brightest, of a constellation, as, . (b) (Chem.) To distinguish one of two or more isomers; also, to indicate the position of substituting atoms or groups in certain compounds; as, . With acids, it commonly indicates that the substituent is in union with the carbon atom next to that to which the carboxyl group is attached."  [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

beta, n.
1 the second letter of the Greek alphabet (B, {szlig}).
2 a second-class mark given for a piece of work or in an examination.
3 Astron. the second brightest star in a constellation.
4 the second member of a series.

Idiom

beta-blocker Pharm. a drug that prevents the stimulation of increased cardiac action, used to treat angina and reduce high blood pressure. beta particle (or ray) a fast-moving electron emitted by radioactive decay of substances (orig. regarded as rays).

Etymology

ME f. L f. Gk