What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
orthotropic
Example
The wood used in construction is orthotropic, meaning it has different strength and stiffness properties in different directions. [orthotropic: adjective]
Example
The orthotropic nature of the material makes it difficult to predict its behavior under different loading conditions. [orthotropic: adjective]
anisotropic
Example
The crystal structure of the mineral is anisotropic, meaning it has different optical properties in different directions. [anisotropic: adjective]
Example
The anisotropic nature of the material makes it challenging to design components that can withstand different loading conditions. [anisotropic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anisotropic is more commonly used than orthotropic in everyday language, especially in fields such as physics, chemistry, and materials science. Orthotropic is a more specialized term and is mainly used in engineering and construction contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between orthotropic and anisotropic?
Orthotropic and anisotropic are both technical terms and are used in formal contexts. However, orthotropic is more specialized and may be considered more formal than anisotropic in some contexts.
