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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radial symmetry was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near radial symmetry

Cite this Entry

“Radial symmetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radial%20symmetry. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

radial symmetry

noun
: plant and animal symmetry in which similar parts are arranged in a balanced way around the center of the body compare bilateral symmetry

Medical Definition

radial symmetry

noun
: the condition of having similar parts regularly arranged around a central axis
radially symmetrical adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on radial symmetry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!