asymmetry
noun
asym·me·try
(ˌ)ā-ˈsi-mə-trē 
plural asymmetries
: lack or absence of symmetry
As Mercury orbits the Sun, it experiences a small torque due to its slight asymmetry in the plane of its orbit …—
Johanna Miller
Johanna MillerFrench rococo was a part of this mood, which tended to favor pastel colors, asymmetry, a calculated disorder, a dreamy sensuality.—Jonathan D. Spence
Jonathan D. Spence"Handedness"—whether we are left- or right-handed—is a convenient indicator of the development of the brain asymmetries that are thought to be required for language.—Tim Flannery
Tim FlanneryExamples of asymmetry in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The asymmetry in the twin exhaust tips is jarring; why angle one up and the other down?
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
This asymmetry between how Trump handles antifa versus the Proud Boys underscores that this is more political theatrics and less than responding to security threats.
—Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
The study, informed by senior former leaders from the Pentagon, US Army, Air Force, and nuclear security agencies, states that mere incremental improvements will be insufficient to counter the growing asymmetry in the battlespace.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Diamond rings of the Serti Sculpté series made for an ideal choice for modern engagements while the Les Perles line cast a contemporary light on pearl necklaces via asymmetries and gold closing doubling as an ornamental element.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for asymmetry
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Sean Evans, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
This asymmetry between how Trump handles antifa versus the Proud Boys underscores that this is more political theatrics and less than responding to security threats.
—Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
The study, informed by senior former leaders from the Pentagon, US Army, Air Force, and nuclear security agencies, states that mere incremental improvements will be insufficient to counter the growing asymmetry in the battlespace.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Diamond rings of the Serti Sculpté series made for an ideal choice for modern engagements while the Les Perles line cast a contemporary light on pearl necklaces via asymmetries and gold closing doubling as an ornamental element.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for asymmetry
Cite this Entry
“Asymmetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asymmetry. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
asymmetry
noun
asym·me·try
(ˈ)ā-ˈsim-ə-trē
plural asymmetries
1
: lack or absence of symmetry: as
a
: lack of proportion between the parts of a thing
especially
: want of bilateral symmetry
asymmetry in the development of the two sides of the brain
b
: lack of coordination of two parts acting in connection with one another
asymmetry of convergence of the eyes
2
: lack of symmetry in spatial arrangement of atoms and groups in a molecule
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