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
Synonyms
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
Ola Malmqvist, who was the United States Tennis Association’s head of women’s tennis during Gauff's breakout, agrees with the players that physicality and athleticism have become more intrinsic to the tour, creating a greater gulf for teen prodigies to cross.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
Finding Balance Self-Determination Theory holds that autonomy—the fundamental need to feel a sense of control and personal agency over our actions—is tightly linked to intrinsic motivation, engagement, and overall well-being.
—Spencer Dorn, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Drawing inspiration from Anguilla’s Arawak tribe, the expansive new wellness center focuses on elements that are intrinsic to both the Caribbean and the Guerlain experience: water, salt, and botanicals.
—Maya Layne, Vogue, 16 Jan. 2025
This delicate balance between intrinsic value and artistic merit sets Donatello apart.
—Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intrinsic 
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Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
Finding Balance Self-Determination Theory holds that autonomy—the fundamental need to feel a sense of control and personal agency over our actions—is tightly linked to intrinsic motivation, engagement, and overall well-being.
—Spencer Dorn, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Drawing inspiration from Anguilla’s Arawak tribe, the expansive new wellness center focuses on elements that are intrinsic to both the Caribbean and the Guerlain experience: water, salt, and botanicals.
—Maya Layne, Vogue, 16 Jan. 2025
This delicate balance between intrinsic value and artistic merit sets Donatello apart.
—Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intrinsic
Dictionary Entries Near intrinsic
Cite this Entry
“Intrinsic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrinsic. Accessed 26 Jan. 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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