smectic
[ smek-tik ]
/ ˈsmɛk tɪk /
adjective Physical Chemistry. (of liquid crystals)
noting a mesomorphic state in which the arrangement of the molecules is in layers or planes.
Words nearby smectic
smear word, smear-sheet, smearcase, smeary, smeaton, smectic, smectite, smeddum, smedley, smeech, smegma
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
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
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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