bilateral symmetry

noun

, Biology.

1. a basic body plan in which the left and right sides of the organism can be divided into approximate mirror images of each other along the midline.

bilateral symmetry

noun

1. the property of an organism or part of an organism such that, if cut in only one plane, the two cut halves are mirror images of each other See also radial symmetry

bilateral symmetry

/ bī-lăt′ər-əl /

1. Symmetrical arrangement of an organism or part of an organism along a central axis, so that the organism or part can be divided into two equal halves. Bilateral symmetry is a characteristic of animals that are capable of moving freely through their environments.
2. Compare radial symmetry

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilateral symmetry¹

First recorded in 1850–55