smectic

adj

1. (not-comparable, rare)Cleansing.
2. (not-comparable, rare)Astringent; detergent.
3. (not-comparable)Whose molecules are aligned in layers, with the molecules lying perpendicular to the plane of the layers.

   “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])”

   “Before studying the fluctuations and defects of the bilayers in the smectic phase, one should first characterize the equilibrium structure of the simulated lamellar phase.”

noun

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