Higher-order terms in the k-∈ model for the anisotropic representation (AR) of the Reynolds stresses are investigated. Second-order terms in AR have been introduced to express the anisotropy of the Reynolds stresses, however they include no direct influence on the eddy viscosity. This Letter focuses on third-order AR in particular, by incorporating new additional eddy viscosity terms. The proposed model was tested in plane channel flow, and compared to a numerical database generated using a large eddy simulation technique. It was found that third-order AR may be used as an alternative method to reduce the magnitude of the eddy viscosity in the buffer layer region by acting similarly to the Van Driest damping function, commonly used in k-∈ models. The relationship of AR to the algebraic stress model is also discussed. © 1990 American Institute of Physics.