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 symmetry2: having corresponding points whose connecting lines are bisected by a given point or perpendicularly bisected by a given line or plane <symmetrical curves>3symmetric : 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