liquid crystal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low in everyday language; high in scientific/technical contexts.Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “liquid crystal” mean?
A substance that flows like a liquid but has some degree of order in the arrangement of its molecules, like a crystal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A substance that flows like a liquid but has some degree of order in the arrangement of its molecules, like a crystal.
A state of matter with properties between those of conventional liquids and solid crystals. It is the key component in many digital display technologies (LCDs).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'colour' vs. 'color' in 'liquid crystal display').
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low in general usage, equally high in relevant technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “liquid crystal” in a Sentence
[liquid crystal] + noun (e.g., liquid crystal display)adjective + [liquid crystal] (e.g., nematic liquid crystal)verb + [liquid crystal] (e.g., align the liquid crystal)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liquid crystal” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The liquid-crystal display on my new telly is fantastic.
- They specialise in liquid-crystal polymer research.
American English
- The liquid crystal screen on my new TV is fantastic.
- They specialize in liquid crystal polymer research.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to LCD technology in manufacturing, marketing, or supply chains (e.g., 'The liquid crystal market is growing').
Academic
Central term in materials science, physics, and chemistry papers describing molecular order and electro-optical properties.
Everyday
Almost exclusively encountered when discussing TV, monitor, or smartphone screens (e.g., 'It's an LCD TV'). The full term 'liquid crystal' is rarely used casually.
Technical
Precise descriptions of molecular phases (nematic, smectic), device fabrication, and electro-optic effects in research and engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “liquid crystal”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “liquid crystal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liquid crystal”
- Using it as a countable noun in plural form (e.g., 'liquid crystals are' is acceptable for types, but 'the liquid crystal is' is standard for the substance).
- Misspelling as 'liquid chrystal'.
- Using 'LCD' and 'liquid crystal' interchangeably in all contexts; 'LCD' refers specifically to the device using the technology.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a distinct state of matter with properties of both. It flows like a liquid but its molecules have some orientational or positional order like a crystal.
Liquid Crystal Display. It is a device that uses the light-modulating properties of liquid crystals to show images.
Not in its raw, pure form as a simple substance; it usually appears as a viscous fluid. Its effects become visible when used in a cell or display.
No, while displays are the most common application, they are also used in thermometers, optical shutters, sensors, and advanced materials research.
A substance that flows like a liquid but has some degree of order in the arrangement of its molecules, like a crystal.
Liquid crystal is usually technical / scientific in register.
Liquid crystal: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪk.wɪd ˈkrɪs.təl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɪk.wɪd ˈkrɪs.təl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LIQUID that can CRYSTAL-lize its molecules into orderly patterns when needed, like soldiers in a fluid army forming ranks.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SMART FLUID (a substance that can change its order/rearrangement intelligently in response to stimuli).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of liquid crystal in a common device?