isotropic

adjective

iso·​tro·​pic ˌī-sə-ˈtrō-pik How to pronounce isotropic (audio) -ˈträ- How to pronounce isotropic (audio)
: exhibiting properties (such as velocity of light transmission) with the same values when measured along axes in all directions
an isotropic crystal
isotropy noun

Examples of isotropic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In cosmology, a central tenet is that space must, on average, be homogeneous and isotropic. James Geach, Discover Magazine, 26 Oct. 2017 Making the universe homogeneous and isotropic might be one smart way our supercomputing simulator-overlords, requiring operational speeds far exceeding yottaflops, planned to conserve resources. Jason Kehe, Wired, 9 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'isotropic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

iso- + -tropic

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of isotropic was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near isotropic

Cite this Entry

“Isotropic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isotropic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

isotropic

adjective
iso·​tro·​pic ˌī-sə-ˈtrō-pik How to pronounce isotropic (audio) -ˈträp-ik How to pronounce isotropic (audio)
1
: exhibiting properties (as velocity of light transmission) with the same values when measured along axes in all directions
an isotropic crystal
2
: lacking predetermined axes
an isotropic egg
isotropy noun
plural isotropies
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