strange matter

American  

[straynj mat-er] / ˈstreɪndʒ ˈmæt ər /

noun

1. Physics. a hypothetical matter that contains up, down, and strange quarks in roughly comparable proportions.

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strange matter Scientific  

1. A hypothetical, extremely dense form of matter composed entirely of strange quarks. These quarks are not grouped into separate particles (like the quarks bundled into protons and neutrons in atomic nuclei) but form a single undifferentiated mass. The material of which hypothetical quark stars are composed is thought to be strange matter; some evidence for strange matter has also been found in collisions in particle accelerators and in seismic events possibly triggered by the passing of strange matter through the Earth.

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Example Sentences

A new physics result two decades in the making has found a surprisingly complex path for the production of strange matter within atoms.

From Scientific American • Apr. 27, 2023

In this particular case, a group of researchers focused on one variety of strange matter, called lambda particles.

From Scientific American • Apr. 27, 2023

In 2014, Slate asked around physics and science communication circles and came up with a list of women no less deserving than men honored for diodes or strange matter.

From Washington Post • Oct. 4, 2016

Among others who became interested in the strange matter was Earl Stanhope, then in Germany.

From Claimants to Royalty by Ingram, John M.

His dull old eyes roam from Fabian to Portia in an odd, questioning way, as if debating some strange matter.

From Portia or By Passions Rocked by Duchess