lyotropic

English

Etymology

From lyo- +‎ -tropic, c. 1910, presumably borrowed from German, or by analogy with earlier lyo- terms such as lyophilic or lyophilization (1894). From Ancient Greek λύω (lúō, “to loosen, to dissolve”) + τροπικός (tropikós, “of or pertaining to a turn or change; or the solstice; or a trope or figure; tropic; tropical; etc.”), from τροπή (tropḗ, “turn; solstice; trope”).

Pronunciation

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Adjective

lyotropic (not comparable)

1. (chemistry, physics) describing a liquid crystal that exhibits phase transitions as a function of concentration
   • 1910, The Journal of Physical Chemistry,, volume 14, pages 628–629:

     “We can however say that, with electrolytes, the effects are always lyotropic. Sulphates, tartrates, etc., raise the point of solidification, decrease the period of solidification, and increase the rate of change of the viscosity with the time. They therefore help the solidification.”

   • 1910, The British Journal of Photography,, volume 57, page 631:

     It is interesting to note that sulphates head one of Freundlich’s lyotropic series; but I fear that this is merely a coincidence.