noun

anisotropy

an-eye-SOT-ruh-pee

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Anisotropy (noun) means the quality of a material or property varying depending on the direction in which it is measured. Example: “The crystal's anisotropy means light passes through it differently along each axis.”

noun

technical The quality of a material or property varying depending on the direction in which it is measured.

"The crystal's anisotropy means light passes through it differently along each axis."

"Engineers measured the anisotropy of the composite before testing it further."

"Wood shows anisotropy because it is stronger along the grain than across it."

technical The extent to which this directional variation is shown by a particular material or property.

"The two samples differed noticeably in their degree of anisotropy."

"Researchers compared the anisotropy of several alloys under strain."

"A higher anisotropy value indicates a stronger directional effect."

How to use anisotropy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWhen something behaves differently depending on which direction you look at or measure it from.

When to use it

A technical term found mainly in scientific and engineering contexts.

Memory tip

Spot the root isotropy inside the word and the an- prefix negating it, which points straight to the meaning.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

isotropy →

Common pairings

degree of anisotropy optical anisotropy measure the anisotropy exhibit anisotropy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “anisotropy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The crystal's _____ means light passes through it differently along each axis.

Etymology

Formed by adding the prefix an-, meaning not, to isotropy, the property of being the same in every direction.

Origin: English (from Greek elements)

Synonyms

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aeolotropy

Antonyms

isotropy

Related words

symmetry isotropy

Rhymes for anisotropy

copy loopy poopy canopy jalopy Snoopy droopy entropy photocopy laparoscopy colonoscopy bronchoscopy

See all rhymes for anisotropy →

Frequently asked questions

What does anisotropy mean?

It describes a material or property that behaves differently depending on the direction it is measured in, rather than the same in every direction.

What is the opposite of anisotropy?

The opposite is isotropy, where a property is the same regardless of direction.

Where is anisotropy commonly discussed?

It comes up in materials science, physics and geology whenever a substance's properties, such as strength or optical behaviour, change with direction.

What is the meaning of anisotropy?

"anisotropy" (noun) means the quality of a material or property varying depending on the direction in which it is measured.

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