liquid crystal

American  

noun

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

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liquid crystal British  

noun

1. 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

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liquid crystal Scientific  

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

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Etymology

Origin of liquid crystal

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

"These liquid crystals… we can rotate them with an electrical field," explains Mr Eiden.

From BBC

Researchers have uncovered key insights about how liquid crystals, materials capable of forming complex ordered structures, transform between different phases.

From Science Daily

And earlier this year, Sargent's group incorporated liquid crystals to minimize the defects in perovskite films, leading to enhanced device performance.

From Science Daily

Using these compounds, they produced liquid crystals with high electrical conductivity and thermotropic properties.

From Science Daily

By introducing air bubbles, comparable in size to a human hair, into the liquid crystal and manipulating the pressure, the researchers were able to demonstrate this extraordinary phenomenon.

From Science Daily