symmetry

noun

sym·​me·​try ˈsi-mə-trē 

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

Synonyms

• balance
• coherence
• concinnity
• consonance
• consonancy
• harmony
• orchestration
• proportion
• symphony
• unity

Examples of symmetry in a Sentence

the symmetry of the human body

The building has perfect symmetry.

Recent Examples on the Web

While there’s not a lot of apparent symmetry between Alamo and Vanna White, Sony could use Alamo theaters to test similar events. —Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 19 June 2024

The piece’s use of symmetry, the way the stones are given room to breathe on their own, and its vibrant contrast of colors burst through well-trod territory to create a breath of fresh air. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 12 June 2024

The area, included in the price of admission to the museum, features eight interactive exhibits meant to focus on helping children learn about patterns, proportion, scale and symmetry by combining reflecting mathematical and scientific concepts through nature. —Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 22 June 2024

The estate fuses traditional Bajan style with the more formal Palladian style, a style known for its grand appearance, strict proportion, careful symmetry, and plethora of classical elements, like columns and cornices. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 12 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing symmetry

• bilateral symmetry
• center of symmetry
• radial symmetry

Kids Definition

symmetry

noun

sym·​me·​try ˈsim-ə-trē 

plural symmetries

1

: balanced proportions

2

: close agreement in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane or around a central point compare bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry

Medical Definition

symmetry

noun

sym·​me·​try ˈsim-ə-trē 

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