smectic

adjective

smec·​tic ˈsmek-tik How to pronounce smectic (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the phase of a liquid crystal characterized by arrangement of molecules in layers with the long molecular axes in a given layer being parallel to one another and those of other layers and perpendicular or slightly inclined to the plane of the layer compare cholesteric, nematic

Examples of smectic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web With the smectic liquid crystals used in this new smart glass, an electrical voltage has a different result. David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 9 June 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'smectic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin smecticus cleansing, having the properties of soap, from Greek smēktikos, from smēchein to clean

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smectic was in 1923

Dictionary Entries Near smectic

Cite this Entry

“Smectic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smectic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

smectic

1 of 2 adjective
smec·​tic ˈsmek-tik How to pronounce smectic (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the phase of a liquid crystal characterized by the arrangement of the molecules in layers with the long axes of the molecules in a given layer being parallel to one another and perpendicular to the plane of the layer
a smectic phase of cholesterol esters in denatured LDL
compare mesomorphic sense 1, nematic

smectic

2 of 2 noun
: a liquid crystal in its smectic phase
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