strangeness
Americannoun
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the quality or condition of being strange.
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Physics. a quantum number assigned the value −1 for one kind of quark, +1 for its antiquark, and 0 for all other quarks; the strangeness of a hadron is the sum of the values for the strangeness of its constituent quarks and antiquarks. S
noun
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the state or quality of being strange
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physics a property of certain elementary particles, characterized by a quantum number ( strangeness number ) conserved in strong and electromagnetic but not in weak interactions. It is associated with the presence of strange quarks
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The property of containing a strange quark or antiquark. Strangeness is expressed in terms of an integer quantum number, −1 for each strange quark and +1 for each strange antiquark. Hadrons that possess strangeness are called strange. The total strangeness of a quantum system is unchanged by decay processes involving the strong or electromagnetic forces; however, decay through the weak force can change the total strangeness of the system.
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See also baryon number isospin
Etymology
Origin of strangeness
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at strange, -ness
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Its strangeness is the embodiment of a child’s yearning consciousness, a landscape of such heightened sensitivity that it can seem almost otherworldly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
After the robots noisily clunked down the stairs, the strangeness of the encounter began to fade.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026
At this point it’s worth stepping back to acknowledge the strangeness of all this.
From Slate ● Jul. 24, 2026
Visitors from around the world are drawn to the scale and strangeness of the basilica.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 7, 2026
The fact was that he was dizzy with all this strangeness, and he hoped that by attending to something dull and workmanlike he’d regain a little balance.
From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman
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