asymmetrical

adjective asym·met·ri·cal \ ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl \

variants: or asymmetric play \-trik\

|Updated on: 7 Jun 2018

Definition of asymmetrical

1 : having two sides or halves that are not the same : not symmetrical

an asymmetrical design

asymmetrical shapes

2 usually asymmetric , of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups

—

asymmetrically

play \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

—

asymmetry

play \(ˌ)ā-ˈsi-mə-trē\ noun

See asymmetrical defined for English-language learners

See asymmetrical defined for kids

Recent Examples of asymmetrical from the Web

In the Empac rehearsal space, the asymmetrical shape of the Armory stage had been laid out in tape on the floor around four nests of instruments and electronics.

— jon pareles, New York Times, "Oneohtrix Point Never’s Quest to Make Music That Freaks People Out," 31 May 2018
Ruby Rose flaunts an asymmetrical crop, model Adwoa Aboah takes it a step further with a full buzz, Katy Perry is killing it with a pixie.

— rebecca norris, Allure, "Watch 100 Years of Iconic Short-Hair Trends in Under Four Minutes," 22 May 2018
Serena Williams Tennis champ and new mom Serena Williams attended the royal wedding in a blush pink Versace dress with an asymmetrical neckline and ruching detail.

— kami phillips, PEOPLE.com, "Honorary Bridesmaids! How Meghan's Closest Friends Broke All the Style Rules at the Wedding," 19 May 2018
Her asymmetrical look played up two of the biggest trends of the day: blush pink and architectural headpieces.

— aj willingham, CNN, "Every romantic, emotional moment from one heck of a royal wedding," 19 May 2018
The look featured an asymmetrical neckline, crystal buttons and a cocktail-length skirt.

— carrie goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Priyanka Chopra's Royal Wedding Suit is Ladies Who Lunch in the Best of Ways," 19 May 2018
This asymmetrical attribution of blame was visible in the defense of Israel that Harris famously mounted during Israel’s 2014 conflict with Gaza, in which some 70 Israelis and 2,300 Palestinians died.

— robert wright, WIRED, "Sam Harris and the Myth of Perfectly Rational Thought," 17 May 2018
With its asymmetrical hemline, corseted bodice, and showstopping print, the dress was classic Westwood and pure Newton.

— maria ward, Vogue, "Thandie Newton on Her Epic Cannes Dress—A Tribute to Star Wars’s Iconic Black Characters," 16 May 2018
Philly’s Palm, whose new Rock Island is full of asymmetrical rock with echoes of Dirty Projectors, opens.

— Philly.com, "Art Star Craft Bazaar, Love Your Park Week, New Hope Celebrates Pride, and other great events, May 11-18," 9 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'asymmetrical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of asymmetrical

Greek asymmetria lack of proportion, from asymmetros ill-proportioned, from a- + symmetros symmetrical

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1690

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

asymmetrical

adjective asym·met·ri·cal \ ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl \

variants: or asymmetric play \-trik\

medical Definition of asymmetrical

1 : not symmetrical

2 usually asymmetric, of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups

—

asymmetrically

play \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Learn More about asymmetrical

See words that rhyme with asymmetrical Spanish Central: Translation of asymmetrical Nglish: Translation of asymmetrical for Spanish speakers

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asymmetrical

Definition of asymmetrical

asymmetrically

asymmetry

Recent Examples of asymmetrical from the Web

Origin and Etymology of asymmetrical

Medical Dictionary

asymmetrical

medical Definition of asymmetrical

asymmetrically

Learn More about asymmetrical

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asymmetrical

Definition of asymmetrical

asymmetrically

asymmetry

Recent Examples of asymmetrical from the Web

Origin and Etymology of asymmetrical

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asymmetrical

medical Definition of asymmetrical

asymmetrically

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