Having different physical properties (like strength, light transmission, or electrical conductivity) in different directions.
From Greek 'aniso-' (unequal) + 'tropic' (turning direction), from 'tropos' (direction). The term became fundamental in physics and materials science during the 19th century.
Fiber-optic cables work because glass becomes anisotropic when aligned fibers are created—light travels down the fiber but can't easily escape through the sides, making super-fast internet possible.
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