smectic
[ smek-tik ]
/ ˈsmɛk tɪk /
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adjective Physical Chemistry.(of liquid crystals)
noting a mesomorphic state in which the arrangement of the molecules is in layers or planes.
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THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?
Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
Compare nematic.
Origin of smectic
1665–75 for earlier sense “cleansing”; <Latin smēcticus<Greek smēktikós, equivalent to smēkt(ós) smeared, verbid of smḗchein to wash out, clean + -tikos-tic
Words nearby smectic
smear-sheet, smear test, smear word, smeary, Smeaton, smectic, smectite, smeddum, Smedley, smeech, smegma
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
British Dictionary definitions for smectic
smectic
/ (ˈsmɛktɪk) /
adjective
chem (of a substance) existing in or having a mesomorphic state in which the molecules are oriented in layersCompare nematic See also liquid crystal
Word Origin for smectic
C17: via Latin from Greek smēktikos, from smēkhein to wash; from the soaplike consistency of a smectic substance
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