What does anisotropically mean?
"Anisotropically" is a technical adverb meaning in a manner that depends on direction — that is, in such a way that a material's properties differ when measured along different axes. It derives from "anisotropic," itself built from Greek roots meaning "not equal-turning." The word belongs chiefly to the vocabulary of physics, materials science, crystallography, and engineering, where it describes substances whose conductivity, strength, thermal expansion, or optical behaviour varies with orientation. Crystals, wood, fibrous composites, and biological tissues are classic examples of materials that behave anisotropically: a wooden plank, for instance, is much stronger along its grain than across it. Its natural opposite is "isotropically," describing uniformity in all directions. Because it encodes a precise directional distinction, the word is indispensable in technical writing but seldom encountered in everyday conversation, giving it a distinctly scholarly register.
adverbIn a manner that varies depending on direction; specifically, in a way that exhibits different physical properties or values when measured along different axes.
- In a manner that varies with direction, so that physical or material properties differ along different axes.
"The crystal conducts heat anisotropically, transferring it far more efficiently along one axis than another."
"Graphite conducts electricity anisotropically, making it useful in directional heating applications."
"Under load, the timber beam deformed anisotropically, resisting compression far better along the grain than across it."
Wood, graphite, and even your own bones are all anisotropic — which is why a plank splits easily along the grain but not across it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anisotropically
The word descends from "anisotropic," coined in the nineteenth century by physicists studying crystal optics, combining the Greek prefix "an-" (not) with "isos" (equal) and "tropos" (turn or manner). It literally means "not turning equally" — properties that do not behave identically in every direction. The root "tropos" also underlies English words such as "trope," "entropy," and "heliotrope."
Related word forms
How anisotropically is actually used
A technical term used almost exclusively in scientific and engineering contexts — physics, materials science, crystallography, geology, and biology. It is the adverbial form of 'anisotropic' and rarely appears outside specialist literature.
Easily confused with anisotropically
Isotropically means having identical properties in all directions, whereas anisotropically means properties differ by direction.