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
the symmetry of the human body The building has perfect symmetry.
Recent Examples on the WebIn this space, the windows frame a piece of art and the bed and help create a sense of symmetry. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2022 About half the star was sucked in, and the other half of the star was powerfully blown out, away from the black hole, and in a spherical symmetry, no less. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 14 July 2022 The sense of order in this format is underscored by the smaller figures, which are usually — but not always — placed in rough symmetry. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 1 July 2022 Thinking of the Fuller domes, the group made the interpretive leap (later borne out through testing) that this molecule might look like one: a closed cage structure, with icosahedral symmetry. Rebecca Onion, The New Republic, 19 Aug. 2022 This is an aspect of the Cold War conflict where Mr. Sixsmith’s focus on the psychological, and the hall-of-mirrors symmetry of the opposing sides, is its most persuasive. Stephen Budiansky, WSJ, 12 Aug. 2022 Our favorite feature: the odd angles that balance out the harsh symmetry of the former industrial space and lend the room a charming informality. Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 28 July 2022 The symmetry would not have been lost on any of them: the United States and Canada, two of the world’s best women’s soccer teams, meeting on a sweltering night and chasing a prize only one of them could win.New York Times, 19 July 2022 But if Matt worked to come up with something sleeker, with more symmetry and impact, Davis would fund a line of shirts. Nick Keppler, Washington Post, 18 May 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Latin symmetria, from Greek, from symmetros symmetrical, from syn- + metron measure — more at measure