orthotropic

[ awr-thuh-trop-ik, -troh-pik ]

adjective

1. Botany. noting, pertaining to, or exhibiting a mode of vertical growth.

orthotropic

/ ɔːˈθɒtrəˌpɪzəm; ˌɔːθəʊˈtrɒpɪk /

adjective

1. botany relating to or showing growth that is in direct line with the stimulus
2. (of a material) having different elastic properties in different planes

Derived Forms

• orthotropism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of orthotropic¹

First recorded in 1885–90; ortho- + -tropic

Example Sentences

He is now facing misconduct charges for treating people with his "orthotropic" treatments, which he says could render many current orthodontic treatments unnecessary.

From BBC

The Orthodontist’s recommendation was clear: The Mews’ orthotropic techniques could be an important addition to the toolbox.

From New York Times

Even so, Dr. Kato believes that doctors should be performing the surgery, called auxiliary partial orthotropic liver transplantation — more often, and that it should at least be considered for any child under 10 who needs a transplant because of acute liver failure.

From New York Times

Nearly all the steel bridges built in Germany today use a German-developed steel plate called orthotropic.

From Time Magazine Archive

Not on an orthotropic bridge, which has instead of a concrete slab a half-as-heavy steel deck serving both as roadway and stress-carrying component of the bridge spans.

From Time Magazine Archive