Anisotropy (also known as Anisotropies): A physical property showing different values in relation to the direction in or along which the measurement is made. The physical property may be with regard to thermal or electric conductivity or light refraction. In crystallography, it describes crystals whose index of refract

NIH MeSH · D016880Phenomena and Processes

Anisotropy

Also known asAnisotropies

Definition

A physical property showing different values in relation to the direction in or along which the measurement is made. The physical property may be with regard to thermal or electric conductivity or light refraction. In crystallography, it describes crystals whose index of refraction varies with the direction of the incident light. It is also called acolotropy and colotropy. The opposite of anisotropy is isotropy wherein the same values characterize the object when measured along axes in all directions.

MeSH classification

  • G01.590.040
  • G02.050

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Common questions about Anisotropy

What does Anisotropy mean in medicine?
A physical property showing different values in relation to the direction in or along which the measurement is made. The physical property may be with regard to thermal or electric conductivity or light refraction. In crystallography, it describes crystals whose index of refraction varies with the direction of the incident light. It is also called acolotropy and colotropy. The opposite of anisotropy is isotropy wherein the same values characterize the object when measured along axes in all directions. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Anisotropy known by any other names?
Yes. Anisotropy is also referred to as Anisotropies in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Anisotropy sit in the medical classification?
Anisotropy falls under the broader medical category "Phenomena and Processes" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: G01.590.040, G02.050). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Anisotropy?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D016880) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗