quark Definition

quark¹
noun

1. physics.
The smallest known bit of matter, being any of a group of subatomic particles which, in different combinations, are thought to make up all protons, neutrons and other hadrons and are believed to have a fractional electric charge though they have not yet been detected in the free state.

Etymology: 1960s in this sense, but first coined as ‘Three Quarks for Muster Mark!' by the novelist James Joyce (1882‐1941) in Finnegans Wake (1939) and adopted in this scientific sense by the American physicist Murray Gell-Mann (born 1929) before he knew that Joyce had already used it.

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quark²
noun

1. A type of low-fat soft cheese that is made from skimmed milk.

Etymology: 1930s: German quarc.