definitions
  • synonyms

intrinsic

[ in-trin-sik, -zik ]
/ ɪnˈtrɪn sɪk, -zɪk /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR intrinsic ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

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RELATED WORDS

essentially, mostly, necessarily, originally, approximately, truly, permanently, virtually, substantially, actually, typically, quite, really, naturally, genetically, constitutionally, fundamentally, alone, independently, singularly

Nearby words

intrigant, intrigante, intrigue, intrigued, intriguing, intrinsic, intrinsic factor, intrinsic parity, intrinsic reflex, intrinsic semiconductor, intrinsic sphincter
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
1 native, innate, natural, true, real. See essential.
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR intrinsic ON THESAURUS.COM
Related formsin·trin·si·cal·ly, adverb
Can be confusedextraneous external extrinsic internal intrinsic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for intrinsically

British Dictionary definitions for intrinsically

intrinsic

intrinsical

/ (ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent
anatomy situated within or peculiar to a partintrinsic muscles
Derived Formsintrinsically, adverb

Word Origin for intrinsic

C15: from Late Latin intrinsecus from Latin, inwardly, from intrā within + secus alongside; related to sequī to follow
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for intrinsically

intrinsic

adj.

late 15c., "interior, inward, internal," from Middle French intrinsèque "inner" (13c.), from Medieval Latin intrinsecus "interior, internal," from Latin intrinsecus (adv.) "inwardly, on the inside," from intra "within" (see intra-) + secus "alongside," originally "following" (related to sequi "to follow;" see sequel). Meaning "belonging to the nature of a thing" is from 1640s. Related: Intrinsicly.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for intrinsically

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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.