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

The creatures get their name from the symmetry of their bodies, arranged in eight parts. —Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2024

These calculations are so complex that physicists often revert to simple solutions that make the equations involved more manageable, such as assuming spherical symmetry. —The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024

And in a story where Tom plays black swan to Dickie’s white, there is some symmetry in giving the former another icon to emulate: two sets of doubles. —Judy Berman, TIME, 4 Apr. 2024

The diamond, classified as Type IIa, features VS1 clarity alongside strong saturation, a very vivid hue, and flawless polish and symmetry. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2024

The playful, abstract compositions of Ore-Giron, meanwhile, are constantly outfoxing an impulse to settle into symmetry. —Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024

Radial: Also referred to as rotational symmetry, this is when symmetry is created around a central axis. —Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 26 Jan. 2024

There’s a certain symmetry to the fact that a newish play bearing a title some outlets have deemed too spicy to print or say is about the malleable nature of language itself. —Chris Klimek, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024

The side-to-side symmetry connects the entire powertrain, helping efficiently distribute power to all four wheels. —James Raia, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 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