Main Entry: sym·met·ri·cal

Pronunciation: \sə-ˈme-tri-kəl\

Variant(s): or sym·met·ric \-trik\

Function: adjective

Date: 1653

1 : having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry
2 : having corresponding points whose connecting lines are bisected by a given point or perpendicularly bisected by a given line or plane <symmetrical curves>
3 symmetric : being such that the terms or variables may be interchanged without altering the value, character, or truth <symmetric equations> <R is a symmetric relation if aRb implies bRa>
4 a : capable of division by a longitudinal plane into similar halves <symmetrical plant parts> b : having the same number of members in each whorl of floral leaves <symmetrical flowers>
5 : affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly <symmetrical rash>
6 : exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula; especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule

— sym·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— sym·met·ri·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun