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

Related Words

• newness
• weirdness