symmetry

noun sym·me·try \ ˈsi-mə-trē \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Definition of symmetry

plural symmetries

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

See symmetry defined for English-language learners

See symmetry defined for kids

Examples of symmetry in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of symmetry from the Web

Beyond that basic symmetry, though, there are serious differences between Senate and gubernatorial races.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Democrats Hope For Big Gubernatorial Gains This November," 16 June 2018
The similarities carved by physics bring beautiful symmetry, efficiency and regularity to the living world.

— charles s. cockell, WSJ, "The Limits of Extra-Terrestrial Freakiness," 7 June 2018
The only symmetry there appeared to be between people and from group to group was a desire for distinction.

— kevin acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres find they can't turn all blue eyes brown, but ...," 14 July 2018
Your doctor will do a physical exam that may involve the use of a device called a scoliometer, which measure’s the symmetry of your torso.

— korin miller, SELF, "Princess Eugenie Shares an X-Ray From Her Childhood Scoliosis Surgery on Instagram," 3 July 2018
Thousands of people worldwide submitted selfies for a contest in which computers would judge their beauty based on factors like the symmetry of their faces.

— jonathan vanian, Fortune, "Unmasking A.I.'s Bias Problem," 25 June 2018
Spain Spain’s jersey forgoes symmetry for a row of yellow and purple triangles down the side of the red kit.

— kaitlyn schallhorn, Fox News, "World Cup teams debut colorful, throwback jerseys for the 2018 tournament," 13 June 2018
Receivers dropped a few passes, and there were no hits to disrupt the symmetry of the late-spring display.

— childs walker, baltimoresun.com, "Ravens' new wide receivers show early signs of promise during workouts," 1 June 2018
There are good eggs and bad ones, and their romantic entanglements all push toward the lucky symmetry befitting a comedy.

— k. austin collins, HWD, "Why We Still Love The Last Days of Disco," 29 May 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.

Origin and Etymology of symmetry

Latin symmetria, from Greek, from symmetros symmetrical, from syn- + metron measure — more at measure

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1563

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

symmetry Synonyms

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

SYMMETRY Defined for English Language Learners

symmetry

noun

Definition of symmetry for English Language Learners

: 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

SYMMETRY Defined for Kids

symmetry

noun sym·me·try \ ˈsi-mə-trē \

Definition of symmetry for Students

plural symmetries

: 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

Medical Dictionary

symmetry

noun sym·me·try \ ˈsim-ə-trē \

medical Definition of symmetry

plural symmetries

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