quasiperiodicity

Quasiperiodicity describes something that is almost, but not quite, periodic. It means that while there might be a pattern on a small scale, it becomes unpredictable at a larger scale.1

In physics, this concept is crucial for understanding quasicrystals. Unlike regular crystals with repeating atomic patterns, quasicrystals have an ordered structure that doesn't recur at precise intervals. They are formed from different structures assembled in a non-repeating way, possessing orientational order but lacking true repetition. This unique structure, discovered in 1984, has led to research into potential applications in fields like aerospace due to their high strength and light weight.2