Anisotropy vs. Isotropy

Anisotropynoun

The property of being directionally dependent.

Anisotropynoun

The degree to which this property is exhibited.

Anisotropynoun

the property of being anisotropic; having a different value when measured in different directions

Anisotropy

Anisotropy () is the property of a material which allows it to change or assume different properties in different directions as opposed to isotropy. It can be defined as a difference, when measured along different axes, in a material's physical or mechanical properties (absorbance, refractive index, conductivity, tensile strength, etc.) An example of anisotropy is light coming through a polarizer.

Isotropynoun

The property of being identical, or having the same physical properties, in all directions.

Isotropynoun

Uniformity of physical properties in all directions in a body; absence of all kinds of polarity; specifically, equal elasticity in all directions.

Isotropynoun

(physics) the property of being isotropic; having the same value when measured in different directions

Isotropy

Isotropy is uniformity in all orientations; it is derived from the Greek isos (ἴσος, ) and tropos (τρόπος, ). Precise definitions depend on the subject area.