liquid crystal

noun

1. a liquid having certain crystalline characteristics, especially different optical properties in different directions when exposed to an electric field.

liquid crystal

noun

1. See nematic, smectic
   a liquid that has some crystalline characteristics, such as the presence of different optical properties in different directions; a substance in a mesomorphic state See also smectic nematic

liquid crystal

1. Any of various liquids in which molecules are regularly arrayed like a solid crystal along one or two dimensions, but are free in the other dimensions as with typical liquids. Liquid crystals often display unusual and often manipulable optical properties such as anisotropic scattering.
2. See more at LCD

Word History and Origins

Origin of liquid crystal¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Others range from a “ring-shaped cover for portable electronic device” to a “touch screen liquid crystal display.”

From The Daily Beast

Upon the side, That clos'd our path, a liquid crystal fell From the steep rock, and through the sprays above Stream'd showering.

From Project Gutenberg

We will drink the liquid crystal, sometimes out of the fountains, and sometimes from the purling brooks and swift-gliding streams.

From Project Gutenberg

A stone thrown down it is heard to strike two or three times, and finally splash in the liquid crystal.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be poetical to talk of liquid crystal, but no crystal has the absolute perfection of the transparency of these streams.

From Project Gutenberg

The silver stories of the castle towered one above the other, and its walls and columns were all formed of liquid crystal.

From Project Gutenberg