anisotropy

American  

[an-ahy-so-truh-pee] / ˌæn aɪˈsɒ trə pi /

Rarely anisotropism

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.

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Etymology

Origin of anisotropy

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

Example Sentences

The motion of light elements may explain seismic anisotropy -- directional variations in seismic wave speeds -- and could also play a role in sustaining Earth's magnetic field.

From Science Daily

Underpinning the functional utility of liquid crystalline elastomers is their blend of anisotropy and viscoelasticity, Roach said.

From Science Daily

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