smectic

[smek-tik] /ˈsmɛk tɪk/
adjective, Physical Chemistry, (of liquid crystals)
1.
noting a mesomorphic state in which the arrangement of the molecules is in layers or planes.
Compare nematic.
Origin
1665-75 for earlier sense “cleansing”; < Latin smēcticus < Greek smēktikós, equivalent to smēkt(ós) smeared, verbid of smḗchein to wash out, clean + -tikos -tic
Examples from the web for smectic
  • The system then orders or partially orders to a moving crystal or smectic.
British Dictionary definitions for smectic

smectic

/ˈsmɛktɪk/
adjective
1.
(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
C17: via Latin from Greek smēktikos, from smēkhein to wash; from the soaplike consistency of a smectic substance