anisotropy
Americannoun
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Physics. the fact of having unequal physical properties along different axes.
Even crystals with a simple cubic lattice structure, such as salt, display optical anisotropy; that is, the light propagates differently in different directions.
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Botany. the fact of having different rates of growth in different directions.
Anisotropy is a nearly ubiquitous feature of plant growth; it is necessary, if a growing plant organ is to produce any other form than a sphere.
Etymology
Origin of anisotropy
First recorded in 1875–80; an- 1 ( def. ) + isotrop(ic) ( def. ) + -y 3 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Rather, it arises from a balance between several competing forces, including exchange interactions, magnetic anisotropy and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions.
From Science Daily
The motion of light elements may explain seismic anisotropy -- directional variations in seismic wave speeds -- and could also play a role in sustaining Earth's magnetic field.
From Science Daily
Underpinning the functional utility of liquid crystalline elastomers is their blend of anisotropy and viscoelasticity, Roach said.
From Science Daily
When materials have different properties or behavior when measured or observed from different directions, that's known as anisotropy.
From Science Daily
However, to transition to higher areal densities, a high anisotropy magnetic recording medium consisting of FePt grains combined with heat-assisted laser writing is required.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
