smectic

adjective

smec·​tic ˈsmek-tik 

: 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

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

Medical Definition

smectic

1 of 2 adjective

smec·​tic ˈsmek-tik 

: 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