intrinsic

adjective

in·​trin·​sic in-ˈtrin-zik  -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

Synonyms

• built-in
• constitutional
• constitutive
• essential
• hardwired
• immanent
• inborn
• inbred
• indigenous
• ingrain
• ingrained
• engrained
• inherent
• innate
• integral
• native
• natural

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

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

Word History

Etymology

French intrinsèque internal, from Late Latin intrinsecus, from Latin, adverb, inwardly; akin to Latin intra within — more at intra-

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing intrinsic

• intrinsic factor

Rhymes for intrinsic

• extrinsic

Kids 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

intrinsically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

intrinsic

adjective

in·​trin·​sic in-ˈtrin-zik  -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