intrinsic

[ in-trin-sik, -zik ]
See synonyms for intrinsic on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. belonging to a thing by its very nature: the intrinsic value of a gold ring.

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

Origin of intrinsic

1
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”)

synonym study For intrinsic

1. See essential.

Other words for intrinsic

Opposites for intrinsic

Other words from intrinsic

  • in·trin·si·cal·ly, adverb

Words that may be confused with intrinsic

Words Nearby intrinsic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use intrinsic in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for intrinsic

intrinsic

intrinsical

/ (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

Origin of intrinsic

1
C15: from Late Latin intrinsecus from Latin, inwardly, from intrā within + secus alongside; related to sequī to follow

Derived forms of intrinsic

  • intrinsically, adverb

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