Logo
dictionary thesaurus

smectic

adjective
smec·​tic | \ ˈsmek-tik How to pronounce smectic (audio) \

Definition of smectic

: 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, ""Smart Glass" Swaps Between Transparent and Opaque at the Flick of a Switch," 9 June 2016

First Known Use of smectic

1923, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for smectic

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

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for smectic

smectic

adjective
smec·​tic | \ ˈsmek-tik How to pronounce smectic (audio) \

Medical Definition of smectic

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

noun

Medical Definition of smectic (Entry 2 of 2)

: a liquid crystal in its smectic phase

WORD OF THE DAY

garrulous

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!