intrinisic

Intrinsic refers to qualities or properties that are part of the essential nature of something, not dependent on external circumstances or relations. The term derives from Latin intrinsecus meaning “on the inside.” In common use, intrinsic contrasts with extrinsic, which concerns factors outside the thing itself.

In science and mathematics, intrinsic properties are defined independently of an object’s location, orientation, or environment. For example, mass and electric charge are often treated as intrinsic properties. In geometry and topology, intrinsic attributes depend only on distances measured along the object, not on its embedding in space; intrinsic curvature is a property of a surface that can be determined without reference to its surrounding space.

In philosophy and ethics, intrinsic value denotes value that something has in itself, regardless of any consequences. This is contrasted with instrumental value, where something is valuable as a means to an end. Debates address what kinds of beings or states possess intrinsic value, such as well-being, life, or beauty.

In psychology and education, intrinsic motivation describes engaging in an activity for its own sake, a source of persistence and creativity separate from external rewards. In computing and engineering, intrinsic features can refer to capabilities built into a system, such as intrinsic safety in hazardous environments or intrinsic functions that map directly to hardware operations.

Note: the term is usually spelled intrinsic; intrinisic is a common misspelling.