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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To overcome this, Waterloo researchers mixed liquid crystals (LCs) – the same compounds used in electronic displays – into liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), a rubber-like material that expands and contracts with heat. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2025 The first liquid crystal display substrate that makes all of the flat panel displays that you’re used to seeing, the first low loss optical fiber, the ceramic substrates that clean the air of your emissions from your vehicles, the pharmaceutical packaging that made your COVID shot possible. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025 The formulation also features vegan lactic acid to resurface the hair cuticle and lamellar liquid crystal technology for instant, light-reflecting shine. Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 The process in question is called a thermochromic response, which refers to how chains of liquid crystals react to atmospheric temperature. Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 9 June 2025 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 29 Oct. 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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