intrinsic

[in-trin-sik, -zik]

adjective

1. belonging to a thing by its very nature.

   the intrinsic value of a gold ring.

   Synonyms: true, natural, innate, native
   Antonyms: extrinsic, extrinsic

2. Anatomy.,  (of certain muscles, nerves, etc.) belonging to or lying within a given part.

intrinsic

/ ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent

2. anatomy situated within or peculiar to a part

   intrinsic muscles

Other Word Forms

• intrinsically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intrinsic¹

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”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of intrinsic¹

C15: from Late Latin intrinsecus from Latin, inwardly, from intrā within + secus alongside; related to sequī to follow

Synonym Study

See essential.

Example Sentences

Ren's group, however, suspected the problem wasn't the material's intrinsic ability but the impurities within it.

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A renewed interest in the intrinsic rewards of family life should be a force for cultural calm.

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“Intrinsic value is projecting earnings and cash flow out. The best companies we can buy are those that can keep growing intrinsic value over time.”

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"For years, scientists have pursued the answer to a fundamental question about the carrier origin in this exotic insulator: Is it from the bulk or the surface, intrinsic or extrinsic?" said Chen.

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The new study examines what happens when these intrinsic atom-atom interactions are considered.

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Related Words

• deep-seated 
• elemental 
• inherent 
• innate 
• peculiar 
• underlying