symmetry

noun

sym·me·try | \ ˈsi-mə-trē

plural symmetries

Definition of symmetry

1 : balanced proportions also : beauty of form arising from balanced proportions

2 : the property of being symmetrical especially : correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or median plane or about a center or axis — compare bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry

3 : a rigid motion of a geometric figure that determines a one-to-one mapping onto itself

4 : the property of remaining invariant under certain changes (as of orientation in space, of the sign of the electric charge, of parity, or of the direction of time flow) —used of physical phenomena and of equations describing them

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Examples of symmetry in a Sentence

the symmetry of the human body The building has perfect symmetry.

Recent Examples on the Web

Though not quite a mirror image, there is a definite sense of symmetry to the whole, as well as a sense of suspense (and suspension). — Cecil Beaton, Vogue, "Welcome In 2019 With a DIY Art Project, Courtesy of Vogue and Salvador Dalí," 31 Dec. 2018 There is no balance and no symmetry in this conflict. — Farnaz Fassihi, WSJ, "U.S. Resolution Against Hamas Is Defeated in the United Nations," 6 Dec. 2018 Since this show juuuust might have a pattern of symmetry, the same thing happens in present day. — Laura Cohen, Redbook, "Randall and Kevin Hash It Out As Beth Learns a Life-Changing Secret On This Is Us," 16 Nov. 2016 Symbolized by the scales, Libra is obsessed with balance, harmony, and symmetry. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What the Position of Venus in Your Birth Chart Means for You," 31 July 2018 Elegant geometrical symmetries abound in its places of worship, and the ancient technique of khachkar—the carving of ornate crosses into steles—is on display outside, where several of the tall stone slabs watch over the complex like holy sentinels. — Ryan P. Smith, Smithsonian, "This Free Virtual Reality App Drops Users in the Heart of Historic Armenia," 28 June 2018 Even when there’s symmetry, what’s intriguing are the things that are slightly off. — Hillary Brown, House Beautiful, "This New Home Feels Nostalgic In The Best Way," 30 Aug. 2018 James marveled at the symmetry in this final showdown, but both players said their times together meant a whole lot more than their times in opposing uniforms. — Greg Beacham, The Seattle Times, "Wade, James embrace final chance to compete on court," 11 Dec. 2018 Parity had been considered a fundamental symmetry in physics, holding that our world is indistinguishable from its mirror image. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Nobel-prize winning physicist who coined “god particle” dead at 96," 3 Oct. 2018

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

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Last Updated

10 Mar 2019

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Time Traveler for symmetry

The first known use of symmetry was in 1563

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More Definitions for symmetry

symmetry

noun

English Language Learners Definition of symmetry

: the quality of something that has two sides or halves that are the same or very close in size, shape, and position : the quality of having symmetrical parts

See the full definition for symmetry in the English Language Learners Dictionary

symmetry

noun

sym·me·try | \ ˈsi-mə-trē

plural symmetries

Kids Definition of symmetry

: close agreement in size, shape, and position of parts that are on opposite sides of a dividing line or center : an arrangement involving regular and balanced proportions the symmetry of the human body

symmetry

noun

sym·me·try | \ ˈsim-ə-trē

plural symmetries

Medical Definition of symmetry

1 : correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or median plane or about a center or axis — see bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry

2 : the property of remaining invariant under certain changes (as of orientation in space, of the sign of the electric charge, of parity, or of the direction of time flow) —used of physical phenomena and of equations describing them