symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)
variants or symmetric
1
: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry
2
: having corresponding points whose connecting lines are bisected by a given point or perpendicularly bisected by a given line or plane
symmetrical curves
3
symmetric : being such that the terms or variables may be interchanged without altering the value, character, or truth
symmetric equations
R is a symmetric relation if aRb implies bRa
4
a
: capable of division by a longitudinal plane into similar halves
symmetrical plant parts
b
: having the same number of members in each whorl of floral leaves
symmetrical flowers
5
: affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly
symmetrical rash
6
: exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula
especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule
symmetrically adverb
symmetricalness noun

Examples of symmetrical in a Sentence

The human body is symmetrical.
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.
The new 303’s ‘symmetrical triples’ design is faithful to the original, providing a completely symmetrical output stage and rendering the resting current independent of output transistor temperature. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 The two-story home is both neoclassical and Colonial, boasting a perfectly symmetrical facade with four columns and triangular pediments over the windows. Claudia Williams, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2024 Humans are bilaterally symmetrical but have a number of asymmetries, for example the location of the heart and appendix. New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2024 This has been followed, so far, by a symmetrical 3 wave bounce off the August 5th low. Beth Kindig, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for symmetrical 

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symmetrical was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near symmetrical

Cite this Entry

“Symmetrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symmetrical. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

symmetrical

adjective
sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)
variants or symmetric
: having, involving, or showing symmetry
symmetrically adverb

Medical Definition

symmetrical

adjective
sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)
variants or symmetric
: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry: as
a
: affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly
a symmetrical rash
b
: exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula
especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule
symmetrically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on symmetrical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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