beta software software that has not yet been released but has received an alpha test and still has more bugs than a regular release
software written programs operating on a computer system
alpha software a first release of a software product that is usually tested only by the developers
vicissitude a variation in circumstances or fortune
supervisory software specialized programs that reside permanently in the computer's main memory and control the processing of user's programs
systems software a program (as an operating system or compiler or utility program) that controls some aspect of the operation of a computer
laissez faire a doctrine that government should not interfere in commerce
very softly a direction in music; to be played very softly
face saver an act that avoids a loss of face (of dignity or prestige)
water softener a substance (such as sodium chloride) that lessens the hardness of water by replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions and so gives the water more efficient sudsing power
laissez-faire with minimally restricted freedom, especially in commerce
Vicia sativa herbaceous climbing plant valuable as fodder and for soil-building
vice squad a police group to enforce laws against gambling and prostitution
soft roe fish sperm or sperm-filled reproductive gland
mesosphere the atmospheric layer between the stratosphere and the thermosphere
chase after go after with the intent to catch
gas fitter a workman who installs and repairs gas fixtures and appliances
six-footer a person who is at least six feet tall
genus Vittaria tropical epiphytic ferns with straplike fronds
Venus's flytrap carnivorous plant of coastal plains of the Carolinas having sensitive hinged marginally bristled leaf blades that close and entrap insects