Where does “smectitic” come from?

smectitic (English) comes from English smectite, from Ancient Greek σμήχω — to scrub; to wipe off by help of soap or unguent.

smectitic (English): Of or relating to smectite

Definitions

  1. Of or relating to smectite

Ancestry of “smectitic”, step by step

smectitic traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via English smectite

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishsmectiteAny of many clay phyllosilicate minerals that...
2Ancient Greekσμήχωto scrub; to wipe off by help of soap or unguent

via English ic

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Englishicrelated or pertaining to; having the character of
Every word from Ancient Greek σμήχωEvery word from English smectite