isotropic

adjective

iso·​tro·​pic ˌī-sə-ˈtrō-pik How to pronounce isotropic (audio) -ˈträ- How to pronounce isotropic (audio)
: exhibiting properties (such as velocity of light transmission) with the same values when measured along axes in all directions
an isotropic crystal
isotropy
ī-ˈsä-trə-pē How to pronounce isotropic (audio)
noun

Examples of isotropic in a Sentence

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.
In cosmology, a central tenet is that space must, on average, be homogeneous and isotropic. — James Geach, Discover Magazine, 26 Oct. 2017 Making the universe homogeneous and isotropic might be one smart way our supercomputing simulator-overlords, requiring operational speeds far exceeding yottaflops, planned to conserve resources. — Jason Kehe, Wired, 9 Mar. 2022

Word History

Etymology

iso- + -tropic

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of isotropic was in 1856

Rhymes for isotropic

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Browse Nearby Words

isotron
isotropic
isotropism
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Cite this Entry

“Isotropic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isotropic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

isotropic

adjective
iso·​tro·​pic ˌī-sə-ˈtrō-pik How to pronounce isotropic (audio) -ˈträp-ik How to pronounce isotropic (audio)
1
: exhibiting properties (as velocity of light transmission) with the same values when measured along axes in all directions
an isotropic crystal
2
: lacking predetermined axes
an isotropic egg
isotropy
ī-ˈsä-trə-pē How to pronounce isotropic (audio)
noun
plural isotropies
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