symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)
variants or symmetric
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 adverb
symmetricalness noun

Examples of symmetrical in a Sentence

The human body is symmetrical.
Recent Examples on the Web Work began on the castle’s symmetrical wings and crowning dome in 1699 and after the lifetimes of three earls, it was finally completed in 1811. Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 8 Sep. 2023 There are four layers of cells, two blocks on the sides and two in the center, so the battery is almost symmetrical. Ben Purvis, WIRED, 23 Aug. 2023 The chimney facade was installed entirely for aesthetic purposes, giving the house a more symmetrical look. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 24 Aug. 2023 The picture is center-focused and symmetrical, as is typical of these canvases. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 28 July 2023 The rash is typically symmetrical, with multiple reddish blotches or bumps all over the body. Colleen Murphy, Health, 4 Aug. 2023 The result is perfectly symmetrical, a feat seldom achieved in skeleton watches. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 14 June 2023 Leigh’s sculptures, in ceramic and bronze, tend to be symmetrical and smooth. Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 25 May 2023 And despite its symmetrical red-brick garden, the backyard is highly modern, featuring a bar, outdoor grill and lap pool. Katharine Jose, Chron, 14 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'symmetrical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symmetrical was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near symmetrical

Cite this Entry

“Symmetrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symmetrical. Accessed 28 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

symmetrical

adjective
sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)
variants or symmetric
: having, involving, or showing symmetry
symmetrically adverb

Medical Definition

symmetrical

adjective
sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)
variants or symmetric
: 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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on symmetrical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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