intrinsic
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent
-
anatomy situated within or peculiar to a part
intrinsic muscles
Related Words
See essential.
Other Word Forms
- intrinsically adverb
Etymology
Origin of intrinsic
First recorded in 1480–90; Middle English intrinsique “inner,” from Old French intrinseque “internal, inner,” from Late Latin intrinsecus “inward” (adjective), from Latin intrinsecus “on the inside, inwards” (adverb), equivalent to intrin- (from int(e)r-, as in interior + -im, an old accusative ending used as an adverb suffix + secus “beside,” derivative of sequī “to follow”)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cryptocurrency fundamentally lacks intrinsic value, resembling collectibles in that prices derive solely from speculation rather than underlying enterprise value, dividends, or measurable economic contribution.
From Los Angeles Times
Bamboo scaffolds have "intrinsic weaknesses such as variation in mechanical properties, deterioration over time and high combustibility, etc, giving rise to safety concerns", the bureau's spokesperson Terence Lam was quoted as saying.
From BBC
It is an intrinsic part of the wider car company, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
From BBC
Ren's group, however, suspected the problem wasn't the material's intrinsic ability but the impurities within it.
From Science Daily
A renewed interest in the intrinsic rewards of family life should be a force for cultural calm.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
