sidedependent

Sidedependent is a term used across disciplines to describe a property, effect, or relation that changes depending on which side of a boundary, interface, or orientation is considered. The word is usually hyphenated as side-dependent, though some writers use side dependent without a hyphen. It signals asymmetry with respect to sides rather than an intrinsic property of the object as a whole.

In mathematics and analysis, side-dependent concepts include one-sided limits and derivatives, where a limit or derivative is defined using values approaching from a specific side. A function may be described as having left-sided or right-sided behavior at a boundary, indicating that its behavior differs upon approach from different directions.

In physics, chemistry, and materials science, many phenomena are side-dependent: surface energies, adsorption strengths, or catalytic activity can differ between the two faces of a crystal or between the top and bottom of a thin film. This anisotropy is important for surface growth, adhesion, and sensor design.

In computer graphics and engineering, models may assign different properties to opposite faces of a polygonal surface, resulting in side-dependent shading, texture mapping, or mechanical properties in simulations.

The term is specialized and may be encountered in technical literature where clear specification of the side under consideration is required. Alternatives include side-dependent, orientation-dependent, or left/right-sided terminology depending on context.