Definition Definition

intrinsic - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'intrinsic' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Intrinsic [ a.]
- Inward; internal; hence, true; genuine; real; essential; inherent; not merely apparent or accidental; -- opposed to extrinsic; as, the intrinsic value of gold or silver; the intrinsic merit of an action; the intrinsic worth or goodness of a person.
- Included wholly within an organ or limb, as certain groups of muscles; -- opposed to extrinsic.
2 . Intrinsic [ n.]
- A genuine quality.

Meaning of 'intrinsic' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . intrinsic [ a]
Meaning (1):
- belonging to a thing by its very nature
Example in sentence:
  • form was treated as something intrinsic, as the very essence of the thing
2 . intrinsic [ s]
Meaning (2):
- situated within or belonging solely to the organ or body part on which it acts
Example in sentence:
  • intrinsic muscles