nematic

[ ni-mat-ik ]
/ nɪˈmæt ɪk /

adjective Physical Chemistry.(of liquid crystals)

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

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Compare smectic.

Origin of nematic

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

Words nearby nematic

nemaline myopathy, Neman, nemat-, nemathecium, nemathelminth, nematic, nemato-, nematocide, nematocyst, Nematoda, nematode
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for nematic

nematic
/ (nɪˈmætɪk) /

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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012