nematic

[ni-mat-ik]

adjective Physical Chemistry. (of liquid crystals)

noting a mesomorphic state in which the arrangement of the molecules is linear.

Compare smectic.

Origin of nematic

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for nematic

nematic

adjective

chem (of a substance) existing in or having a mesomorphic state in which a linear orientation of the molecules causes anisotropic propertiesCompare smectic See also liquid crystal

Word Origin for nematic

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

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