radial symmetry

noun

, Biology.

1. a basic body plan in which the organism can be divided into similar halves by passing a plane at any angle along a central axis, characteristic of sessile and bottom-dwelling animals, as the sea anemone and starfish.

radial symmetry

noun

1. a type of structure of an organism or part of an organism in which a vertical cut through the axis in any of two or more planes produces two halves that are mirror images of each other Compare bilateral symmetry

radial symmetry

1. Symmetrical arrangement of parts of an organism around a single main axis, so that the organism can be divided into similar halves by any plane that contains the main axis. The body plans of echinoderms, ctenophores, cnidarians, and many sponges and sea anemones show radial symmetry.
2. Compare bilateral symmetry

Word History and Origins

Origin of radial symmetry¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

But unipolar symmetry with diverging outgrowths leads us to the next category which may be called radial symmetry.

From Project Gutenberg

Lamarck thus accounts for the production of the radial symmetry of the medusæ and echinoderms, his Radiaires.

From Project Gutenberg

They have few or rudimentary arms and short stalks, and want the beautiful radial symmetry of the typical star-fishes.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a two-layered organism, with a form varying from cylindrical to oval, and usually a radial symmetry.

From Project Gutenberg

They have not, as is usually supposed, secondarily acquired their radial symmetry.

From Project Gutenberg