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

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 • Mar. 13, 2024

As the air bubbles fluctuate in size, pushing and pulling the surrounding liquid crystal, they are propelled in a consistent direction, defying conventional laws of physics.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2024

When voltage is applied to the liquid crystal its molecules rotate, which changes the polarization of light transmitted through the waveguide.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2024

Researchers have developed a new way to control and manipulate optical signals by embedding a liquid crystal layer into waveguides created with direct laser writing.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2024

He lived in a castle of liquid crystal.

From The Chinese Fairy Book by Wilhelm, Richard