strangeness

American  

[streynj-nis] / ˈstreɪndʒ nɪs /

noun

1. the quality or condition of being strange.

2. 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

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strangeness British  

/ ˈstreɪndʒnɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being strange

2. 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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strangeness Scientific  

/ strānj′nĭs /

1. 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.

2. See also baryon number isospin

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Etymology

Origin of strangeness

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; strange, -ness

Example Sentences

Rather than recapitulate historical chronicles, Mr. Enrigue imagines the event from the Aztec point of view, creating an account that is gory, hallucinatory and thrilling in its strangeness.

From The Wall Street Journal

The strangeness crept into my dream that night.

From Literature

His tableaux don’t always succeed, but when they do, their strangeness hints at things beyond ordinary ken.

From The Wall Street Journal

He remembered that letters had been the first signs of strangeness.

From Literature

Instead, they’re frozen in their grown-up strangeness, Dad picking at his nails and Aunt Melissa tying her dish towel into knots.

From Literature

Related Words

• newness
• weirdness