nematic

[ ni-mat-ik ]

adjectivePhysical Chemistry.(of liquid crystals)
  1. noting a mesomorphic state in which the arrangement of the molecules is linear.

Origin of nematic

1
First recorded in 1920–25; nemat- + -ic

Words Nearby nematic

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British Dictionary definitions for nematic

nematic

/ (nɪˈmætɪk) /


adjective
  1. chem (of a substance) existing in or having a mesomorphic state in which a linear orientation of the molecules causes anisotropic properties: Compare smectic See also liquid crystal

Origin of nematic

1
C20: nemat (o) - (referring to the threadlike chains of molecules in liquid) + -ic

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