intrinsic
[ in-trin-sik, -zik ]
/ ɪnˈtrɪn sɪk, -zɪk /
adjective
belonging to a thing by its very nature: the intrinsic value of a gold ring.
Anatomy.
(of certain muscles, nerves, etc.) belonging to or lying within a given part.
Sometimes
in·trin·si·cal.
Origin of intrinsic
1480–90; < Medieval Latin
intrinsecus inward (adj.), Latin (adv.), equivalent to
intrin- (
int(e)r-, as in
interior +
-im adv. suffix) +
secus beside, derivative of
sequī to follow
SYNONYMS FOR intrinsic
OTHER WORDS FROM intrinsic
in·trin·si·cal·ly, adverbWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH intrinsic
extraneous external extrinsic internal intrinsicWords nearby intrinsic
Example sentences from the Web for intrinsic
British Dictionary definitions for intrinsic
intrinsic
intrinsical
/ (ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk) /
adjective
of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent
anatomy
situated within or peculiar to a part
intrinsic muscles
Derived forms of intrinsic
intrinsically, adverbWord Origin for intrinsic
C15: from Late Latin
intrinsecus from Latin, inwardly, from
intrā within +
secus alongside; related to
sequī to follow
Medical definitions for intrinsic
intrinsic
[ ĭn-trĭn′zĭk ]
adj.
Of or relating to the essential nature of a thing.
Situated within or belonging solely to the organ or body part on which it acts. Used of certain nerves and muscles.