A compound that under suitable conditions of temperature, pressure, and concentration can exist as a mesophase or, in particular, as a liquid-crystal (LC) phase.
Source:
PAC, 2002, 74, 493. 'Definitions of basic terms relating to polymer liquid crystals (IUPAC Recommendations 2001)' on page 497 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200274030493)