SMECTIC Meaning and
Definition
-
Smectic is an adjective that refers to a particular phase of liquid crystals, which are substances that possess properties of both liquids and solids. In this context, smectic describes the ordered arrangement of molecules or ions in a layered structure.
In the smectic phase, the molecules arrange themselves in parallel layers with long-range positional order within each layer. These layers have a characteristic tilt, causing the molecules to be oriented at an angle with respect to the layer's normal. The layers can either be stacked in a regular pattern like stacks of paper, known as smectic A, or they can form twisted structures, resulting in a helical arrangement, known as smectic C.
Smectic phases are observed in certain liquid crystal materials at specific temperatures and compositions, typically intermediate between the isotropic liquid phase and the ordered solid phase. They possess unique physical properties, such as optical anisotropy and viscosity, that make them useful in various applications including displays, electro-optical devices, and memory devices.
The term "smectic" is derived from the Greek word "smektein," meaning "to smear," reflecting the tendency of the layers to flow and slide past one another like a viscous fluid. This property contributes to the material's ability to respond to external stimuli and exhibit diverse physical behaviors in response to changes in temperature, pressure, or electric fields.
Common Misspellings for SMECTIC
- amectic
- zmectic
- xmectic
- dmectic
- emectic
- wmectic
- snectic
- skectic
- sjectic
- smwctic
- smsctic
- smdctic
- smrctic
- sm4ctic
- sm3ctic
- smextic
- smevtic
- smeftic
- smedtic
- smecric
Etymology of SMECTIC
The word "smectic" is derived from the Greek word "smēktikos", which means "that which binds together". This term was coined in the 19th century by the Austrian physicist Ludwig Boltzmann to describe a state of matter found in liquid crystals. The choice of this name likely stems from the fact that smectic liquid crystals have intermediate properties between the more disordered nematic phase and the highly ordered crystalline phase.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
