Intrinsic \In*trin"sic\ ([i^]n*tr[i^]n"s[i^]k), a. [L.
intrinsecus inward, on the inside; intra within + secus
otherwise, beside; akin to E. second: cf. F. intrins[`e]que.
See Inter-, Second, and cf. Extrinsic.]
1. 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.
He was better qualified than they to estimate justly
the intrinsic value of Grecian philosophy and
refinement. --I. Taylor.
2. (Anat.) Included wholly within an organ or limb, as
certain groups of muscles; -- opposed to extrinsic.
Intrinsic energy of a body (Physics), the work it can do in
virtue of its actual condition, without any supply of
energy from without.
Intrinsic equation of a curve (Geom.), the equation which
expresses the relation which the length of a curve,
measured from a given point of it, to a movable point, has
to the angle which the tangent to the curve at the movable
point makes with a fixed line.
Intrinsic value. See the Note under Value, n.
Syn: Inherent; innate; natural; real; genuine.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
|