anisotropy
/ˌæn.aɪˈsɒt.rə.pi/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The quality of being different in different directions. In science, a material or process is anisotropic when its properties change with direction.
- Wood shows anisotropy along and across the grain.
- The crystal's anisotropy affects how light passes through it.
Adinary Nuance
Anisotropy is used in science and technical writing, not in everyday speech. It is more specific than words like difference or variation, because it means change with direction. If you want the opposite idea, use isotropy, which means the same in all directions.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- dị hướng
- Spanish
- anisotropía
- Chinese
- 各向异性
- Japanese
- 異方性
- Korean
- 이방성
Etymology
Anisotropy comes from Greek: an- meaning “not,” isos meaning “equal,” and tropos meaning “turn” or “direction.” It entered English in the 19th century through science.
Common phrases
magnetic anisotropyoptical anisotropyanisotropy axis
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is anisotropy a common word?
- No. It is mainly used in science, engineering, and academic writing.
- What is the opposite of anisotropy?
- The opposite is isotropy, where properties are the same in every direction.
- Can I use anisotropy in daily conversation?
- Usually no. It sounds technical and fits scientific contexts better.