Definition of SMECTIC

smectic

Plural: smectics

Adj

  • Cleansing.
  • Astringent; detergent.
  • Whose molecules are aligned in layers, with the molecules lying perpendicular to the plane of the layers.

Noun

  • A liquid crystal having the molecules aligned in this way; a phase of a liquid crystal in which the molecules are so aligned.

Examples

  • "The smectic phases, which are found at lower temperatures than the nematic, form well-defined layers that can slide over one another in a manner similar to that of soap.[…]There are many different smectic phases, all characterized by different types and degrees of positional and orientational order.^([Wikipedia])"

Origin / Etymology

From Latin smecticus, from Ancient Greek σμηκτικός (smēktikós), from σμήχειν (smḗkhein, “to wipe, to cleanse”) + -ικός (-ikós, “-ic”).

Scrabble Score: 13

smectic is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
smectic is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
smectic is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

smectic is a valid Words With Friends word