smectic

[smek-tik]

adjective Physical Chemistry. (of liquid crystals)

noting a mesomorphic state in which the arrangement of the molecules is in layers or planes.

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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British Dictionary definitions for smectic

smectic

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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