Anisotropism

/ˌænɪsoʊˈtrəpɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The property or condition of being anisotropic; the quality of displaying different physical properties in different directions.

Etymology

From anisotropic + '-ism' (doctrine, condition, practice), derived from Greek 'aniso-' (unequal) + 'tropos' (direction). This noun form is common in physics and materials science.

Kelly Says

Anisotropism explains why scratches on metal look different depending on the grain direction, and why blacksmiths hammer metals in specific directions to align their crystalline structure for strength.

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