1.  beta(n = noun.communication) Array - the 2nd letter of the Greek alphabet; Array
is a kind of alphabetic character, letter, letter of the alphabet
is a member of greek alphabet

2.  beta(n = noun.plant) genus beta - beets; Array
is a kind of caryophylloid dicot genus, chenopodiaceae, family chenopodiaceae, goosefoot family

1.  beta(s = adj.all) Array - second in order of importance; "the candidate, considered a beta male, was perceived to be unable to lead his party to victory"

2.  beta(s = adj.all) Array - preliminary or testing stage of a software or hardware product; "a beta version"; "beta software"

   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.]

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

beta blocker, beta cell, beta centauri, beta crucis, beta decay, beta endorphin, beta globulin, beta iron, beta orionis, beta particle, beta radiation, beta ray, beta rays, beta receptor, beta rhythm, beta software, beta test, beta vulgaris, beta vulgaris cicla, beta vulgaris rubra, beta vulgaris vulgaris, beta wave, genus beta