liquid crystal

noun

: an organic liquid whose physical properties resemble those of a crystal in the formation of loosely ordered molecular arrays similar to a regular crystalline lattice and the anisotropic refraction of light

Examples of liquid crystal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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These fabrication techniques were also applied to lighting, which moved from fluorescent tubes to light-emitting diodes and to video displays, which went from cathode-ray tubes to liquid crystal displays. Ashok Lahiri, IEEE Spectrum, 10 May 2017 These take a fraction of a second, thanks to a flexible, liquid crystal film controlled electronically by tapping or sliding a finger across the temples. Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025 LCDs, on the other hand, are problematic for nighttime driving because the backlight leaches through the liquid crystals, creating a halo effect and reducing contrast. IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2010 The liquid crystals change their orientations in response to an electric field; as their orientations change, so does the polarization of light that travels through the liquid-crystal layer and reflects off the coating. IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2010 See All Example Sentences for liquid crystal

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liquid crystal was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Liquid crystal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liquid%20crystal. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

liquid crystal

noun
: an organic liquid whose physical properties resemble those of a crystal in the formation of loosely ordered molecular arrays similar to a regular crystalline lattice and the anisotropic refraction of light

More from Merriam-Webster on liquid crystal

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