intrinsic
adjective
in·trin·sic
in-ˈtrin-zik 
-ˈtrin(t)-sik
-ˈtrin(t)-sik
1
a
: belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing
the intrinsic worth of a gem
the intrinsic brightness of a star
b
: being or relating to a semiconductor in which the concentration of charge carriers is characteristic of the material itself instead of the content of any impurities it contains
2
a
: originating or due to causes within a body, organ, or part
an intrinsic metabolic disease
b
: originating and included wholly within an organ or part
intrinsic muscles
compare extrinsic sense 1b
Examples of intrinsic in a Sentence
He is the ideal courtier. His nobility is intrinsic, and so he can drape himself in this purple cloak of tasteful modernity, make a cocktail of past and present, the cream of both.
—
Noah Charney, The Art Thief, 2007
Subatomic particles have an intrinsic orientation known as spin, which can point in one of two directions, conventionally called "up" and "down."
—Abraham Loeb, Scientific American, November 2006
Yet despite the digital culture's endless celebrations of diversity … there is a certain mindless repetition intrinsic to the Internet, where ideas and software multiply a thousandfold with one click; where the lure of wider communication drives users toward an ultimate "interoperability" and, hence, toward an ultimate uniformity.
—Julian Dibbell, Harper's, August 2001
the intrinsic value of a gem
the intrinsic brightness of a star
Noah Charney, The Art Thief, 2007
Subatomic particles have an intrinsic orientation known as spin, which can point in one of two directions, conventionally called "up" and "down."
—Abraham Loeb, Scientific American, November 2006
Yet despite the digital culture's endless celebrations of diversity … there is a certain mindless repetition intrinsic to the Internet, where ideas and software multiply a thousandfold with one click; where the lure of wider communication drives users toward an ultimate "interoperability" and, hence, toward an ultimate uniformity.
—Julian Dibbell, Harper's, August 2001
the intrinsic value of a gem
the intrinsic brightness of a star
Recent Examples on the Web
For the Reposado expression, the tequila is then aged in American white oak barrels, a process that adds structure and refinement without overwhelming the agave's intrinsic character.
—Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
With more complete data, statisticians could then estimate the intrinsic value of activities through peoples’ stated and revealed preferences and create a framework for measuring consumption based on how people use their time rather than on material spending.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Marble Pickups This simple technique uses a grasping motion to manage heel pain by strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the foot.
—Tim Petrie, Dpt, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025
Every session opened up intrinsic conversations within Ramirez as to how to walk outside his front door and into the world with a clearer lens.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intrinsic
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Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
With more complete data, statisticians could then estimate the intrinsic value of activities through peoples’ stated and revealed preferences and create a framework for measuring consumption based on how people use their time rather than on material spending.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Marble Pickups This simple technique uses a grasping motion to manage heel pain by strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the foot.
—Tim Petrie, Dpt, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025
Every session opened up intrinsic conversations within Ramirez as to how to walk outside his front door and into the world with a clearer lens.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intrinsic
Cite this Entry
“Intrinsic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrinsic. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intrinsic
adjective
in·trin·sic
in-ˈtrin-zik
-ˈtrin(t)-sik
: belonging to the essential nature of a thing
the intrinsic value of a gem
Medical Definition
intrinsic
adjective
in·trin·sic
in-ˈtrin-zik
-ˈtrin(t)-sik
-ˈtrin(t)-sik
1
: originating or due to causes or factors within a body, organ, or part
intrinsic asthma
2
: originating and included wholly within an organ or part
—used especially of certain muscles
the cricothyroid is an intrinsic muscle of the larynx
compare extrinsic sense 2
Legal Definition
intrinsic
adjective
in·trin·sic
in-ˈtrin-zik, -sik
: belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing
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