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
Words nearby smectic
smear word,
smear-sheet,
smearcase,
smeary,
smeaton,
smectic,
smectite,
smeddum,
smedley,
smeech,
smegma
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