anisotropic

1. Not isotropic.
2. Physics. Having properties that differ according to the direction of measurement.

Denoting a medium in which certain physical properties are different in different directions. Wood, for instance, is an anisotropic material: its strength along the grain differs from that perpendicular to the grain. Single crystals that are not cubic are anisotropic with respect to some physical properties, such as the transmission of electromagnetic radiation. Compare isotropic.

Refers to properties that differ based on the direction that is measured. For example, an anisotropic antenna is a directional antenna; the power level is not the same in all directions. Contrast with isotropic.

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Not having properties or characteristics that are the same in all directions.

Descriptive of a material (such as wood) that does not have the same physical properties in all directions.

Applied to a material, such as bone, that exhibits different mechanical properties in response to forces acting on it from different directions.

1. having unlike properties in different directions.
2. doubly refracting, or having a double polarizing power.