strange particle

noun Physics.

any elementary particle with a strangeness quantum number other than zero.

Origin of strange particle

First recorded in 1955–60; originally so called because of the anomalously long decay time of such particles

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strange particle in Science

strange particle

Any of various unstable elementary particles, having a short half-life and a nonzero strangeness quantum number. Sigma and xi baryons, for example, are strange particles.

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