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Look up intrinsic, extrinsic, or innate in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

The term intrinsic denotes a property of some thing or action which is essential and specific to that thing or action, and which is wholly independent of any other object, action or consequence. A characteristic which is not essential or inherent is extrinsic.

For example in biology, intrinsic effects originate from "inside" an organism or cell, such as an autoimmune disease or intrinsic immunity.

More specific uses of the concepts can be found:

• in philosophy; Intrinsic and extrinsic properties (philosophy)
• in physics; Intensive and extensive properties
• in psychology; intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
• in computing; intrinsic function.
• in mathematics; Intrinsic equations.

[edit] See also

• Specific properties
• Extrinsic value
• Haecceity
• Intrinsic value
• Quiddity
• Intrinsic semiconductor
• Extrinsic semiconductor
• Intrinsic immunity

This article includes a list of related items that share the same name (or similar names).