rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybetaPre-release software testing
noun / adjective

beta

BAY-tuh/ˈbeɪtə/

The second letter of the Greek alphabet.

The second tile displays beta between alpha and gamma.

Three alphabet tiles show alpha, beta, and gamma, with the beta tile highlighted in the middle.
Etymology
betaGreeksecond letter of the alphabet

Greek beta names the second letter, and its name is also used to designate second items in sequences. The software sense applies this sequencing label to a test version before final release.

In context

Daily Tech News Show2:35
copilot for all these apps is being tested in beta and Microsoft has not committed to a final release date
You Can Log In, But Never Log Out - DTNS 4493

More examples

  • Beta is the second letter of the Greek alphabet.
  • The student writes lowercase beta beneath the capital letter.
  • The inscription places beta between alpha and gamma.

Forms

beta · betas

Similar words

prototype
An early model that may precede usable testing versions.
alpha
An earlier testing stage, or the first Greek letter.