'Intrinsic value' definitions:

Definition of 'Intrinsic value'

From: GCIDE
  • Intrinsic \In*trin"sic\ ([i^]n*tr[i^]n"s[i^]k), a. [L. intrinsecus inward, on the inside; intra within + secus otherwise, beside; akin to E. second: cf. F. intrins[`e]que. See Inter-, Second, and cf. Extrinsic.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. Inward; internal; hence, true; genuine; real; essential; inherent; not merely apparent or accidental; -- opposed to extrinsic; as, the intrinsic value of gold or silver; the intrinsic merit of an action; the intrinsic worth or goodness of a person. [1913 Webster]
  • He was better qualified than they to estimate justly the intrinsic value of Grecian philosophy and refinement. --I. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Anat.) Included wholly within an organ or limb, as certain groups of muscles; -- opposed to extrinsic. [1913 Webster]
  • Intrinsic energy of a body (Physics), the work it can do in virtue of its actual condition, without any supply of energy from without.
  • Intrinsic equation of a curve (Geom.), the equation which expresses the relation which the length of a curve, measured from a given point of it, to a movable point, has to the angle which the tangent to the curve at the movable point makes with a fixed line.
  • Intrinsic value. See the Note under Value, n.
  • Syn: Inherent; innate; natural; real; genuine. [1913 Webster]