anisotropic

[ an-ahy-suh-trop-ik, -troh-pik, an-ahy- ]

adjective

1. Physics. of unequal physical properties along different axes. Compare isotropic ( def 1 ).
2. Botany. of different dimensions along different axes.

anisotropic

/ ˌænaɪ-; ænˌaɪsəʊˈtrɒpɪk; ˌænaɪˈsɒtrəpɪ /

adjective

1. not isotropic; having different physical properties in different directions

   anisotropic crystals

2. (of a plant) responding unequally to an external stimulus in different parts of the plant

anisotropic

/ ăn-ī′sə-trō′pĭk,-trŏp′ĭk,ăn′ī- /

1. Differing according to orientation, as light scattered by a liquid crystal; light striking the liquid crystal's surface at a 90° angle might not be reflected (so the surface appears dark when viewed head-on), while light striking it at shallower angles is reflected (so the surface appears illuminated when viewed from a shallow angle).
2. Compare isotropic

Derived Forms

• anˌisoˈtropically, adverb
• anisotropy, noun

Other Words From

• an·i·so·trop·i·cal·ly adverb
• an·i·so·tro·py [an-ahy-, so, -tr, uh, -pee], an·i·so·tro·pism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anisotropic¹

First recorded in 1875–80; an- ¹ + isotropic

Example Sentences

The only condition requisite for the exhibition of response is the differential excitability of an anisotropic organ.

From Project Gutenberg

Whether variation of temperature induces in anisotropic organs only one type of response, or two types, positive and negative.

From Project Gutenberg

Thick lines represent the more excitable side of an anisotropic or dorsiventral organ.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact such anisotropic stem of Mimosa acts somewhat like the pulvinus of the same plant.

From Project Gutenberg

Both are adapted for determining the axes of elasticity and for the differentiation of isotropic and anisotropic bodies.

From Project Gutenberg