intrinsic

[ in-trin-sik, -zik ]
/ ɪnˈtrɪn sɪk, -zɪk /
SEE 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.
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

OTHER WORDS FROM intrinsic

in·trin·si·cal·ly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH intrinsic

extraneous external extrinsic internal intrinsic

Words nearby intrinsic

intricacy, intricate, intrigant, intrigue, intriguing, intrinsic, intrinsic factor, intrinsic parity, intrinsic reflex, intrinsic semiconductor, intrinsic sphincter
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to intrinsically

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

Example sentences 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 forms of intrinsic

intrinsically, 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

Medical 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.