isotropic

American  

[ahy-suh-trop-ik, -troh-pik] / ˌaɪ səˈtrɒp ɪk, -ˈtroʊ pɪk /

Also isotropous

adjective

1. Physics. of equal physical properties along all axes.

2. Zoology. lacking axes that are predetermined, as in some eggs.

---

isotropic British  

/ aɪˈsɒtrəpəs, ˌaɪsəʊˈtrɒpɪk /

adjective

1. having uniform physical properties in all directions

2. biology not having predetermined axes

   isotropic eggs

---

isotropic Scientific  

/ ī′sə-trō′pĭk,-trŏp′ĭk /

1. Identical in all directions; invariant with respect to direction. For example, isotropic scattering of light by a substance entails that the intensity of light radiated is the same in all directions.

2. Compare anisotropic

---

Other Word Forms

• isotropically adverb
• isotropy noun
• nonisotropic adjective
• nonisotropous adjective
• unisotropic adjective
• unisotropous adjective

Etymology

Origin of isotropic

First recorded in 1860–65; iso- + -tropic

Compare meaning

How does isotropic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• isotropic vs. anisotropic

Example Sentences

This type of material is known as an "isotropic bandgap material."

From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2025

Until now, structures with isotropic porosity have been applied, but these have the drawback that they exponentially attenuate the incident solar radiation as it travels into the reactor.

From Science Daily • Oct. 27, 2023

There’s just one problem: a certain hirsute fact from topology mandates that isotropic antennas can’t exist.

From Scientific American • Aug. 18, 2023

This emission, although isotropic, is not visible to edge-on observers because it is only visible within a range of angles and otherwise shielded by the high-opacity ejecta.

From Nature • Oct. 15, 2017

The substance is usually optically isotropic, though sometimes it exhibits anomalous double refraction; fibrous zinc sulphide which is doubly refracting is to be referred to the hexagonal species wurtzite.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 1 "Bisharin" to "Bohea" by Various