symmetrical

1 of 2

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or symmetric

sə-ˈme-trik 

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

symmetrically

sə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

symmetricalness

sə-ˈme-tri-kəl-nəs 

noun

symmetricalness

2 of 2

noun

sym·​met·​ri·​cal·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being symmetrical : symmetry

Examples of symmetrical in a Sentence

Adjective

The human body is symmetrical.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For both your antiques and florals, use an odd number of items to keep it from feeling too symmetrical or rigid. — Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2026

In part, this is because modern teams are so good at structuring their block against a symmetrical attack. — Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Using geometric methods, Theaetetus, a mathematician and a contemporary of Plato, succeeded in proving that there are no more than five of these highly symmetrical bodies. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 8 Sep. 2026

Fujitsu said that their symmetrical structure makes SnV centers less susceptible to external noise than conventional NV centers. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for symmetrical

• obstetrical
• asymmetrical
• diametrical
• geometrical
• unsymmetrical
• metrical
• trigonometrical

Kids Definition

symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or symmetric

-trik 

: having, involving, or showing symmetry

symmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or symmetric

-trik 

: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry: as

a

: affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly

a symmetrical rash

b

: exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula

especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule

symmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb