beta /bēˈtə/

1. The second letter (Β, β) of the Greek alphabet
2. In the ancient Greek alphabetic numbering system βˈ = 2, ˌβ = 2000
3. In classification, the second or one of the second grade, the grade below alpha
4. In a constellation, a star second in brightness

1. In chemical classification, designating one of two or more isomeric forms of a compound
2. Relating to electrons
3. Denoting a version of a product (eg new computer software) being tested under working conditions

beˈtacism /-sizm/ noun

Pronunciation of the sound of ‘b’ as that of ‘v’

beˈtatron noun

(Gr -tron agent sfx) see accelerator under accelerate

beˈta-blocker noun

A drug that reduces heart rate and interferes with the action of stress hormones such as adrenaline, used to treat eg high blood pressure and angina

betacarotene /-karˈə-tēn/ noun

A nutrient found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables

beta decay noun

Radioactive decay in which a neutron in an atomic nucleus spontaneously breaks up into a proton (which remains within the nucleus) and an electron (which is emitted)

Beta fibre noun

A high-fibre product of sugar beet used as a dietary supplement to aid the absorption of cholesterol

beta interferon noun

A drug used to treat multiple sclerosis

beta rays plural noun

Streams of beta particles or electrons or positrons, given off by some radioactive substances

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