intrinsically definition | Dictionary.com

in⋅trin⋅sic

[in-trin-sik, -zik]

–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.

Also, in⋅trin⋅si⋅cal.

Origin:
1480–90; < ML intrinsecus inward (adj.), L (adv.), equiv. to intrin- (int(e)r-, as in interior + -im adv. suffix) + secus beside, deriv. of sequī to follow

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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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in·trin·sic (ĭn-trĭn'zĭk, -sĭk) Pronunciation Key
adj.

Of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent.
Anatomy Situated within or belonging solely to the organ or body part on which it acts. Used of certain nerves and muscles.

[Middle English intrinsique, inner, from Old French intrinseque, from Late Latin intrīnsecus, inward, from Latin, inwardly; see en in Indo-European roots.]

in·trin'si·cal·ly adv.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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