Intrinsic

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪn.ˈtrɪn.zɪk/

Alternative forms

• intrinsick obsolete

Origin

From Middle French intrinsèque, from Latin intrinsecus ("on the inside, inwardly"), from *intrim, an assumed adverbial form of inter ("within") + seccus ("by, on the side")

Full definition of intrinsic

Adjective

1. Innate, inherent, inseparable from the thing itself, essential.the intrinsic value of gold or silverthe intrinsic merit of an action
• I. TaylorHe was better qualified than they to estimate justly the intrinsic value of Grecian philosophy and refinement.
2. (of a body part, relating to anatomy) Comprising, being part of a whole.

Antonyms

• extrinsic

Derived terms

• intrinsic value
• intrinsic motivation
• intrinsicoid
• intrinsic function
• intrinsic semiconductor