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

Quite literally everything — the tech, the hosts, the guests — need to be working in perfect symmetry for eight hours, without a break. —Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024

There are two gimmicky-looking pens arranged in crisp symmetry on the table, both dead. —Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024

This is important, because information breaks symmetry by deviating from repetition, says Mojzsis. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

There’s a sense of moving the camera just enough to emphasize a detail, and framing a sequence in a way that suggests taking advantage of a backdrop, symmetry and/or space without seeming show-offy. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 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