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strange

adj. · n.
US //ˈstɹeɪndʒ// UK //stɹˈeɪndʒ// strange
  1. 1 unusual or odd (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    unusual, surprising, or difficult to understand.

    deviating from what is ordinary, expected, or understood; often carries a connotation of being slightly unsettling.

    Example

    I heard a strange noise coming from the basement in the middle of the night.

    Example

    The witness provided a strange account of the evening's events, mentioning details that seemed entirely inconsistent with the physical evidence found at the scene.
  2. 2 unfamiliar (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    not known or not experienced before.

    not previously known, seen, or experienced; alien to one's personal history or environment.

    Example

    It is difficult to find your way around a strange city without a map.

    Example

    Moving to a new country often involves a period of adjustment while you learn to navigate strange customs and social expectations.
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  1. 3 quantum physics (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a special property of some very small particles in physics.

    relating to a specific flavor of quark or the quantum property of strangeness.

    Example

    The scientist explained how a strange quark differs from other types of particles.

    Example

    In particle physics, the strange quark is the third lightest of all quarks and carries a charge of negative one-third.

  2. 4 mathematical attractors (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    a term used in math to describe a complex, repeating pattern.

    describing an attractor that has a fractal structure and exhibits chaotic dynamics.

    Example

    The computer model showed a strange attractor forming in the weather data.

    Example

    The system's long-term behavior is governed by a strange attractor, meaning that while the path is bounded, it never repeats the same state twice.
  3. 5 unfaithful sex (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Vulgar

    sex with someone who is not your regular partner.

    sexual activity occurring outside of one's established romantic relationship.

    Example

    He was looking for some strange while his wife was away on business.

    Example

    The lyrics of the blues song often revolve around the protagonist's search for some strange as a way to escape his domestic troubles.
Origin

From Middle English straunge, strange, stronge, from Old French estrange, from Latin extrāneus (“that which is on the outside”). Doublet of extraneous and estrange. Cognate with French étrange (“strange, foreign”) and Spanish extraño (“strange, foreign”). Largely displaced native fremd, selcouth, and uncouth, from Old English fremede, seldcūþ, and uncūþ.

Word family
Idioms3 entries

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