asymmetry

noun

asym·​me·​try (ˌ)ā-ˈsi-mə-trē 

plural asymmetries

: lack or absence of symmetry

As Mercury orbits the Sun, it experiences a small torque due to its slight asymmetry in the plane of its orbit …

—Johanna Miller

French rococo was a part of this mood, which tended to favor pastel colors, asymmetry, a calculated disorder, a dreamy sensuality.

—Jonathan D. Spence

"Handedness"—whether we are left- or right-handed—is a convenient indicator of the development of the brain asymmetries that are thought to be required for language.

—Tim Flannery

Examples of asymmetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Enter asymmetry, where every angle is designed to keep people guessing — and complimenting. —Laura Lajiness Kaupke, refinery29.com, 3 Sep. 2024

There is also an asymmetry between day and night: summer low temperatures have increased more than twice as fast as highs over the past 50 years. —Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2024

The post-workout moves will support recovery and can help correct muscle asymmetries. —Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 29 July 2024

Pro-tip: Use the asymmetry as a focal point; if the look feels unfinished, match your shoes with your jewellery to bring it all together. —Ebony-Renee Baker, refinery29.com, 6 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

asymmetry

noun

asym·​me·​try (ˈ)ā-ˈsim-ə-trē 

plural asymmetries

1

: lack or absence of symmetry: as

a

: lack of proportion between the parts of a thing

especially : want of bilateral symmetry

asymmetry in the development of the two sides of the brain

b

: lack of coordination of two parts acting in connection with one another

asymmetry of convergence of the eyes

2

: lack of symmetry in spatial arrangement of atoms and groups in a molecule