smectic
[smek-tik]
- noting a mesomorphic state in which the arrangement of the molecules is in layers or planes.
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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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
smectic
- chem (of a substance) existing in or having a mesomorphic state in which the molecules are oriented in layersCompare nematic See also liquid crystal
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Word Origin
C17: via Latin from Greek smēktikos, from smēkhein to wash; from the soaplike consistency of a smectic substance
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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