strangeness

[ streynj-nis ]

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

strangeness

/ 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

strangeness

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of strangeness¹

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

Example Sentences

The strangeness extended to the corporate “structure,” if you could call it that, for a business hired for such an important and complex task.

From Salon

I realize this is heresy, but I think it’s important to acknowledge the irreducible strangeness of the drama.

From Los Angeles Times

And, in the meantime, his chance to shape his campaign’s direction on a larger scale seem to have been buried under an avalanche of strangeness.

From BBC

The sooner you accept the strangeness, the sooner you’ll be able to appreciate the offbeat lyricism.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Contestant” is worth watching for the strangeness of the story.

From New York Times

Related Words

• newness
• weirdness