anisotropy

[ an-ahy-so-truh-pee ]

noun

1. Physics. the fact of having unequal physical properties along different axes:

   Even crystals with a simple cubic lattice structure, such as salt, display optical anisotropy; that is, the light propagates differently in different directions.

2. Botany. the fact of having different rates of growth in different directions:

   Anisotropy is a nearly ubiquitous feature of plant growth; it is necessary, if a growing plant organ is to produce any other form than a sphere.

Word History and Origins

Origin of anisotropy¹

First recorded in 1875–80; an- ¹( def ) + isotrop(ic) ( def ) + -y ³( def )

Example Sentences

When materials have different properties or behavior when measured or observed from different directions, that's known as anisotropy.

From Science Daily

However, to transition to higher areal densities, a high anisotropy magnetic recording medium consisting of FePt grains combined with heat-assisted laser writing is required.

From Science Daily

Pol has already sought such hotspots in the available PTA observations by looking in the data for signs of anisotropy—that is, signs of variation and structure rather than formless homogeneity.

From Scientific American

Pham said the speed likely differs based on the wave direction due to a physical property known as anisotropy, which allows a material to possess different properties in different directions.

From Washington Post

The results revealed a greater difference in how the angle of the waves impacted their speed—a phenomenon called anisotropy—in the very center of the inner core, compared with its outermost region.

From Scientific American