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.
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

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 layers Compare 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