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

However, the number isn’t the only thing that’s significant, as the symmetry of these tiny indentations keeps balls moving in smooth patterns and prevents wobbling. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025

The real symmetry here lies in how little Ani’s life has changed from the start of the film to the finish. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025

Plus, the Jaguars have a new general manager in James Gladstone, so people around the league will surely be intrigued by the symmetry between Coen and Trent Baalke’s replacement. —Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025

The team will look for signs of Lorentz symmetry breaking in higher-energy proton-proton collisions. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for symmetry

• altimetry
• asymmetry
• dosimetry
• calorimetry
• colorimetry
• supersymmetry

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