I. (ˈ)in.|trinz]ik, ən.ˈt-, -rin(t)s], ]ēk adjective
Etymology: Middle French intrinsèque inner, internal, from Late Latin intrinsecus, from Latin, adverb inwardly, inwards, from (assumed) Latin intrim (from — assumed — Old Latin interus inward, on the inside) + Latin -secus (from sequi to follow) — more at interior , sue
1. obsolete : private , secret
2.
a. : belonging to the inmost constitution or essential nature of a thing : essential or inherent and not merely apparent, relative, or accidental
form was treated as something intrinsic , as the very essence of the thing in virtue of the metaphysical structure of the universe — John Dewey
recommend this book for its intrinsic interest — Daniel George
intrinsic merit
a wide gap between intrinsic feelings and the social expressions of them — H.J.Muller
— opposed to extrinsic
b. : originating or due to causes or factors within a body, organ, or part
intrinsic asthma
c. : being good in itself or irreducible : being desirable or desired for its own sake and without regard to anything else
when anyone says that values are merely matters of opinion or subjective liking, he is speaking only of intrinsic values — L.W.Beck
d. : real , actual
a fine big bird, he is … but there is no intrinsic beauty about him — Richard Jefferies
3. : originating and included wholly within an organ or part — used especially of certain muscles; opposed to extrinsic
• in·trin·si·cal·ly ]ə̇k(ə)lē, ]ēk-, -li adverb
• in·trin·si·cal·ness ]ə̇kəlnə̇s, ]ēk-\ noun -es
II. noun
( -s )
obsolete : an intrinsic quality