Alpha follower (4 letters)

{ Answer }

BETA

{ Related Clues }

___ blocker
___ carotene
Chard genus
Early release
Early version
Elementary particle
Gamma preceder
Greek letter
Key letter
Letter on a key
Loser to VHS
Phi ___ Kappa
Second in order
Second in a series
Test stage
Test version
VHS alternative
Certain constellation star
Early software version
Honor society letter
Kind of particle or ray
Kind of ray or wave
Letter on a scholar's key
Nuclear physics prefix
Second in a Greek series
Software test version
VCR tape format
Word on a certain key
As yet unmarketed, as software
Commercial prefix with -max or -cam
Fraternity letter between phi and kappa

{ Tags }

alpha, beta, beths, blocker, cousin, follower, gamma, greek, kappa, key, kind, letter, particle, phi, ray, second, series, software, test, version, vhs

{ Notes }

The answer BETA is seen frequently, appearing about once every 110 puzzles.

{ Definition }

BETA as a noun:

1. the 2nd letter of the Greek alphabet

2. (Beta, genus Beta) = beets

BETA as an adjective:

1. second in order of importance; "the candidate, considered a beta male, was perceived to be unable to lead his party to victory"

2. preliminary or testing stage of a software or hardware product; "a beta version"; "beta software"