intrinsic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective belonging to a thing by its very nature
    intrinsical.
    • form was treated as something intrinsic, as the very essence of the thing"- John Dewey
  2. adjective satellite situated within or belonging solely to the organ or body part on which it acts
    • intrinsic muscles

WordNet

In*trin"sic adjective
Etymology
L. intrinsecus inward, on the inside; intra within + secus otherwise, beside; akin to E. second: cf. F. intrinsèque. See Inter-, Second, and cf. Extrinsic.
Definitions
  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. Syn. -- Inherent; innate; natural; real; genuine.
In*trin"sic noun
Definitions
  1. A genuine quality. Obs. Warburton.

Webster 1913