intrinsic

adjective

in·​trin·​sic in-ˈtrin-zik How to pronounce intrinsic (audio) -ˈtrin(t)-sik How to pronounce intrinsic (audio)
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
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There is an intrinsic and undervalued connection between physical and financial health, and Medicaid is the largest federal program that recognizes that connection. Dr. Michelle Morse, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025 That is a shift in mindset from previous incumbents and to win the FA Cup would be vindication for the Austrian’s methods — for his positive approach and that relentless desire to utilise ‘intrinsic motivation’. Sam Lee, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 This consistent energy measurement allows scientists to predict the luminosity, or intrinsic brightness of the supernova. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025 Preserve & Grow Wealth With Risk-Focused Quality Portfolios For investors looking to mitigate the intrinsic volatility tied to individual stocks like SOFI and XYZ, alternative investment strategies are available. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrinsic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of intrinsic was in 1635

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intrinsic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrinsic. Accessed 12 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

intrinsic

adjective
in·​trin·​sic in-ˈtrin-zik How to pronounce intrinsic (audio)
-ˈtrin(t)-sik
: belonging to the essential nature of a thing
the intrinsic value of a gem
intrinsically adverb

Medical Definition

intrinsic

adjective
in·​trin·​sic in-ˈtrin-zik How to pronounce intrinsic (audio) -ˈtrin(t)-sik How to pronounce intrinsic (audio)
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 How to pronounce intrinsic (audio)
: belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing

More from Merriam-Webster on intrinsic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!