bilateral symmetry
noun
: symmetry in which similar anatomical parts are arranged on opposite sides of a median axis so that only one plane can divide the individual into essentially identical halves
Examples of bilateral symmetry in a Sentence
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Unlike bilaterians such as salamanders (and humans), which have bilateral symmetry (meaning a symmetrical right and left side), cnidarians have radial body symmetry, with body sections that extend out from the middle and are symmetrical all around.
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Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 3 Jan. 2024
Yet, oddly, sea stars start their lives as larvae with bilateral symmetry, before changing into their radial adult form.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Nov. 2023
Humans and most other animals, on the other hand, have bilateral symmetry—meaning we can be separated down the middle into two equal parts.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Nov. 2023
Looking at the wide swath of animal life represented by sponges, cnidarians (such as hydras, jellyfish and corals) and bilaterians (animals with bilateral symmetry), the researchers found 29 blocks of genes that were highly conserved among their chromosomes.
—Quanta Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022
These three challenges revealed that starfish have a hidden bilateral symmetry, and move in a preferred direction.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2012
Frontal view of the compound eye showing its bilateral symmetry.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2014
Ji and Wu think that this hint of bilateral symmetry is a faint vestige of the body that starfish have as larvae.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2012
Related Articles Dakota beadwork often uses the concept of bilateral symmetry — the children’s coat’s left and right lapels are completely identical.
—Liv Martin, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2019
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Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 3 Jan. 2024
Yet, oddly, sea stars start their lives as larvae with bilateral symmetry, before changing into their radial adult form.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Nov. 2023
Humans and most other animals, on the other hand, have bilateral symmetry—meaning we can be separated down the middle into two equal parts.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Nov. 2023
Looking at the wide swath of animal life represented by sponges, cnidarians (such as hydras, jellyfish and corals) and bilaterians (animals with bilateral symmetry), the researchers found 29 blocks of genes that were highly conserved among their chromosomes.
—Quanta Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022
These three challenges revealed that starfish have a hidden bilateral symmetry, and move in a preferred direction.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2012
Frontal view of the compound eye showing its bilateral symmetry.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2014
Ji and Wu think that this hint of bilateral symmetry is a faint vestige of the body that starfish have as larvae.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2012
Related Articles Dakota beadwork often uses the concept of bilateral symmetry — the children’s coat’s left and right lapels are completely identical.
—Liv Martin, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Bilateral symmetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bilateral%20symmetry. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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