radial symmetry
noun
: the condition of having similar parts regularly arranged around a central axis
radially symmetrical
adjective
Examples of radial symmetry in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
No other fossils from the Ediacara period have shown this type of organization so definitively, with most showing a simple radial symmetry (like modern jellyfish).
—
David Bressan, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
This new June 1 image is from almost directly over the volcano, showing the radial symmetry of the volcano formed by lava and debris flows cascading down the slopes of the volcano.
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 3 June 2010
But starfish—as well as sand dollars and sea anemones—have radial symmetry, with identical segments of their body radiating out from a central point.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2023
In particular, starfish, also called sea stars, have fivefold radial symmetry, so the animal can be divided into five identical segments.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2023
The end result, constructed at Harvard, resembled the nave of a cathedral built by aliens to worship radial symmetry, or an iron maiden for punishing giant cubes.
—Caity Weaver, New York Times, 23 Nov. 2022
At the Rubenstein Arts Center on Duke University’s campus, an image from a microscope makes an alien landscape out of the knobby, radial symmetry of a sea urchin skeleton.
—Marissa Fessenden, Smithsonian, 12 July 2018
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Bressan, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
This new June 1 image is from almost directly over the volcano, showing the radial symmetry of the volcano formed by lava and debris flows cascading down the slopes of the volcano.
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 3 June 2010
But starfish—as well as sand dollars and sea anemones—have radial symmetry, with identical segments of their body radiating out from a central point.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2023
In particular, starfish, also called sea stars, have fivefold radial symmetry, so the animal can be divided into five identical segments.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2023
The end result, constructed at Harvard, resembled the nave of a cathedral built by aliens to worship radial symmetry, or an iron maiden for punishing giant cubes.
—Caity Weaver, New York Times, 23 Nov. 2022
At the Rubenstein Arts Center on Duke University’s campus, an image from a microscope makes an alien landscape out of the knobby, radial symmetry of a sea urchin skeleton.
—Marissa Fessenden, Smithsonian, 12 July 2018
Cite this Entry
“Radial symmetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radial%20symmetry. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share