beta

1. adjective /ˈbiːtə,ˈbeɪtə/

a) Identifying a molecular position in an organic chemical compound.

b) Designates the second in an order of precedence.

2. noun /ˈbiːtə,ˈbeɪtə/

a) The name of 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 sound of v found in the English words have and vase.

The Chinese, being the massively Special K-selected race that they are, are likely the world’s preeminent, badassiest provider betas.

b) Used in marking scheme: α, β, γ or α+, α, α-, β etc.

3. verb /ˈbiːtə,ˈbeɪtə/

a) To preliminarily release computer software for initial testing prior to final release.

My thanks to Heather; who read it and betaed it. Thank you.

b) To proofread a text, especially fan fiction.

Beta’ing is time-consuming, so asking a lot of people to give you a detailed analysis isn’t the most polite thing to do.