beta

Definition

The second letter of the Greek alphabet (Β, β), preceded by alpha (Α, α) and followed by gamma, (Γ, γ). In modern Greek it represents the voiced labiodental fricative sound of v found in the English words have and vase.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek βῆτα (bêta). Doublet of beth.

Example Sentences

• "But let me tell you happy extroverts that only Vera Telfer and H. A. C. Evans got even an alpha minus; only T. E. Hendrie got a beta plus […]"
• "Mr Taylor would hardly give a beta minus to one of his history students […]"
• "The English class was for me delightful. My essays, still written under the influence of Kubla Khan, nearly always got a beta plus."