symmetrical

[ si-me-tri-kuhl ]

adjective

1. characterized by or exhibiting symmetry; well-proportioned, as a body or whole; regular in form or arrangement of corresponding parts.

   Synonyms: congruous, regular, orderly, balanced

2. Geometry.
   1. noting two points in a plane such that the line segment joining the points is bisected by an axis:

      Points (1, 1) and (1, −1) are symmetrical with respect to the x-axis.

   2. noting a set consisting of pairs of points having this relation with respect to the same axis.
   3. noting two points in a plane such that the line segment joining the points is bisected by a point or center:

      The points (1, 1) and (−1, −1) are symmetrical with respect to (0, 0).

   4. noting a set consisting of pairs of points having this relation with respect to the same center.
3. Usually symmetric. Mathematics.
   1. noting a square matrix that is equal to its transpose.
   2. noting a dyad or dyadic that is equal to its conjugate.
   3. noting a relation in which one element in relation to a second implies the second in relation to the first.
4. Botany.
   1. divisible into two similar parts by more than one plane passing through the center; actinomorphic.
   2. (of a flower) having the same number of parts in each whorl.
5. Chemistry.
   1. having a structure that exhibits a regular repeated pattern of the component parts.
   2. noting a benzene derivative in which three substitutions have occurred at alternate carbon atoms.
6. affecting corresponding parts simultaneously, as certain diseases.

symmetrical

/ sɪˈmɛtrɪkəl /

adjective

1. See asymmetric
   possessing or displaying symmetry Compare asymmetric
2. maths
   1. (of two points) capable of being joined by a line that is bisected by a given point or bisected perpendicularly by a given line or plane

      the points (x, y) and (–x, –y) are symmetrical about the origin

   2. (of a configuration) having pairs of points that are symmetrical about a given point, line, or plane

      a circle is symmetrical about a diameter

   3. (of an equation or function of two or more variables) remaining unchanged in form after an interchange of two variables

      x + y = z is a symmetrical equation

3. chem (of a compound) having a molecular structure in which substituents are symmetrical about the molecule
4. See isomerous
   botany another word for isomerous
5. Alsosymmetric (of a disease, infection, etc) affecting both sides of the body or corresponding parts, such as both legs

Derived Forms

• symˈmetrically, adverb
• symˈmetricalness, noun

Other Words From

• sym·metri·cal·ly adverb
• sym·metri·cal·ness noun
• nonsym·metri·cal adjective
• unsym·metri·cal adjective
• unsym·metri·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of symmetrical¹

First recorded in 1745–55; symmetr(y) + -ical

Example Sentences

The vehicle has a four-seat, face-to-face symmetrical seating configuration, similar to what a train traveler might encounter.

From Singularity Hub 

In this work, Le Corbusier developed his concept of the city as a symmetrical, regulated, and highly centralized landscape.

From Singularity Hub 

ORCs are too symmetrical, and we don’t see a cluster at their center.

From Popular-Science

Normally, symmetrical gigabit speeds require a fiber-to-the-home connection.

From Ars Technica

The Pixel 5 looks like it has fully symmetrical bezels all the way around instead of a thicker chin on the bottom like the cheaper 4a.

From Ars Technica

It takes Sharp four hours to get into character: “I take joy in the mathematical, symmetrical precision and perfectness of Bach.”

From The Daily Beast

It has the swooping, symmetrical grace of a bird's wingspan.

From The Daily Beast

This means closely examining photos for sought-after traits like height and a symmetrical face.

From The Daily Beast

Yes, Israel has nukes, and that technology has made Israel safe from symmetrical attack.

From The Daily Beast

All of them are beautiful and sexy by agreed standards (fit, slender yet shapely, big eyes, symmetrical features).

From The Daily Beast

For every detail is so marvellously symmetrical that no one is dwarfed, no one challenges special attention.

From Project Gutenberg

Every time he is dressed, or sees his mother dress, he has an object-lesson in symmetrical arrangement.

From Project Gutenberg

These rock strata are so straight and so symmetrical that they resemble a series of chimneys suggesting their name.

From Project Gutenberg

Although one of the smallest of these great English churches, it is in many respects one of the most symmetrical and beautiful.

From Project Gutenberg

The irregular in what should be regular, lack of form in what should be symmetrical—what can be more illogical and annoying?

From Project Gutenberg