mesomorphic, a.
(mɛsəʊˈmɔːfɪk, ˈmiːzəʊ-)
[f. meso- + Gr. µορϕ-ή form + -ic.]
1. Physical Chem. [ad. F. mésomorphe (G. Friedel 1922, in Ann. de Physique XVIII. 273).] Existing in, pertaining to, or designating the state of a liquid crystal, intermediate between the ordered state of matter in crystals and the disordered state in ordinary liquids.
| 1923 Chem. Abstr. XVII. 3267 (heading) The mesomorphic states of matter. 1938 [see liquid crystal s.v. liquid a. 7]. 1940 Glasstone Text-bk. Physical Chem. vii. 506 Mesomorphic behavior is restricted to substances having long chains. 1962 [see liquid crystal s.v. liquid a. 7]. |
2. Characteristic of or resembling a mesomorph; of or pertaining to mesomorphy.
| 1940 W. H. Sheldon Varieties Human Physique i. 5 The mesomorphic physique is normally heavy, hard, and rectangular in outline. 1944 A. Huxley Let. 19 July (1969) 508 The ectomorph and his endomorphic wife in the museum, looking at the mesomorphic ideal of Greek sculpture. 1959 Chambers's Encycl. XI. 335/2 Correlation coefficients as high as 0·8 have been obtained..between the somatotonic component and extreme mesomorphic physique. 1963 Punch 25 Dec. 935/3 Mesomorphic McCarthies. |