A state of matter in which the degree of molecular order is intermediate between the perfect three-dimensional, long-range positional and orientational order found in solid crystals and the absence of long-range order found in isotropic liquids, gases, and amorphous solids.
Source:
PAC, 2002, 74, 493. 'Definitions of basic terms relating to polymer liquid crystals (IUPAC Recommendations 2001)' on page 495 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200274030493)