'isotropic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'isotropēs,' where 'iso-' meant 'equal' and 'tropos' meant 'way or manner.'

'isotropēs' transformed into the French word 'isotropique,' and eventually became the modern English word 'isotropic.'

Initially, it meant 'equal in all directions,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.