cholesteric

[ kuh-les-ter-ik, koh-luh-ster-ik ]

adjective

, Chemistry, Physics.

1. of or relating to a form of liquid crystal having molecules arranged in thick, regular layers, and displaying marked color effects, especially in polarized light.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cholesteric¹

cholester(ol) + -ic

Example Sentences

In the latter, the molecular ordering associated with different crystal phases — such as cholesteric, nematic and smectic phases — and, in particular, the anchoring of liquid crystals to surfaces can lead to diverse behaviour of Casimir-like forces9.

From Nature

It is also possible that the torque sensor could be made from a cholesteric liquid crystal.

From Nature

Temperature sensors based on the temperature sensitivity of light reflection from cholesteric liquid crystals have been used for decades.

From Nature

The Casimir torque would further twist, or untwist, the cholesteric crystal’s structure, affecting the selective light reflection in a way that should be detectable.

From Nature