Pertaining to a material whose electrical or optical properties vary with (a) the direction of propagation of a traveling wave or with (b) different polarizations of a traveling wave  Note 1: Anisotropy is exhibited by non-cubic crystals, which have different refractive indices for lightwaves propagating in different directions or with different polarizations Note 2: Anisotropy may be induced in certain materials under mechanical strain
Having properties which vary depending on the direction of measurement In liquid crystals, this is due to the alignment and the shape of the molecules See also: isotropic
A reflection or transmission distribution function (BRTDF) that varies with rotation about the surface normal Examples of anisotropic reflection include varnished wood with noticeable grain, brushed metal, and combed hair
Pertaining to a material whose electrical or optical properties vary with (a) the direction of propagation of a traveling wave or with (b) different polarizations of a traveling wave Note 1: Anisotropy is exhibited by non-cubic crystals, which have different refractive indices for lightwaves propagating in different directions or with different polarizations Note 2: Anisotropy may be induced in certain materials under mechanical strain
Not isotropic; having different properties in different directions; thus, crystals of the isometric system are optically isotropic, but all other crystals are anisotropic