anisotropic etymology

Etymology

  • From Ancient Greek ἀνίσω (anisó) "unequal" + τροπή (tropē) "turn, direction"

Meaning

  • (of a material or property) showing different properties in different directions

Origin

The term "anisotropic" was first coined by the German physicist Franz Ernst Neumann in 1835. Neumann used the term to describe the optical properties of certain crystals, which exhibit different refractive indices in different directions. The term has since been generalized to refer to any material or property that exhibits anisotropy.

Examples of anisotropy

  • Crystals are often anisotropic, meaning that their physical properties (such as refractive index, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity) vary depending on the direction in which they are measured.
  • Wood is anisotropic, meaning that its strength and stiffness vary depending on the direction of the grain.
  • Metals can be made anisotropic by cold working, which creates a preferred grain orientation.

Applications of anisotropy

  • The anisotropic properties of materials can be used to create a variety of devices and applications. For example, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) use the anisotropic optical properties of liquid crystals to create images.
  • The anisotropic properties of wood can be used to create strong and lightweight structures, such as bridges and buildings.
  • The anisotropic properties of metals can be used to create magnets and other magnetic devices.

anisotropic relate terms

  • isotropic

    Etymology Derived from Greek iso equal and tropikos turning direction Mean

  • method

    Etymology The word method comes from the Greek word methodos which means way to a g

  • brother

    Etymology The word brother is derived from the Proto Indo European root bhrāter mea

  • leader

    Etymology Old English ledere leader guide Middle English leder Proto Germanic l

  • mayhem

    Etymology Old French meshaigner Latin machamer to cut mangle injure Meaning

  • context

    Etymology of Context The word context originates from the Latin word contextus mea

  • surprise

    Etymology The word surprise is derived from the Old French word soprise meaning to

  • oxygen

    Etymology The word oxygen is derived from the Greek roots ὀξύς oxys meanin

  • distress

    Etymology Old French destresse Late Latin districtius comparative of districtus mea

  • glamour

    Etymology and Origin The word glamour derives from Scottish folklore and originally re

  • presume

    Etymology Latin praesumere praesumere pre before sumere to take Meaning To