asymmetric

[ ey-suh-me-trik, as-uh- ]

adjective

1. not identical on both sides of a central line; unsymmetrical; lacking symmetry:

   Most faces are asymmetric.

2. (of a logical or mathematical relation) holding true of members of a class in one order but not in the opposite order, as in the relation “being an ancestor of.”
3. Chemistry.
   1. having an unsymmetrical arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
   2. noting a carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups.
   3. (of a polymer) noting an atom or group that is within a polymer chain and is bonded to two different atoms or groups that are external to the chain.

asymmetric

/ ˌeɪ-; ˌæsɪˈmɛtrɪk /

adjective

1. not symmetrical; lacking symmetry; misproportioned
2. chem
   1. (of a molecule) having its atoms and radicals arranged unsymmetrically
   2. (of a carbon atom) attached to four different atoms or radicals so that stereoisomerism results
   3. involving chiral molecules

      asymmetric synthesis

3. electrical engineering (of conductors) having different conductivities depending on the direction of current flow, as of diodes
4. aeronautics having unequal thrust, as caused by an inoperative engine in a twin-engined aircraft
5. logic maths (of a relation) never holding between a pair of values x and y when it holds between y and x, as " …is the father of… " Compare symmetric antisymmetric nonsymmetric

Derived Forms

• ˌasymˈmetrically, adverb

Other Words From

• a·sym·met·ri·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of asymmetric¹

First recorded in 1870–75; a- ⁶ + symmetric ( def )

Example Sentences

In the Nature Astronomy paper, the authors conclude by explaining that they have learned a great deal about how the planet's asymmetric atmosphere impacts the world itself.

From Salon

I’m not saying that people aren’t working on voter protection, or that people aren’t filing lawsuits, but there’s definitely an asymmetric warfare here.

From Slate

Then there were the curving paddle-like horns on the back of the frill — the largest ever found on a horned dinosaur — and a distinct, asymmetric spike in the middle.

From New York Times

"That is, the response can be asymmetric. We will think about it."

From BBC

The violent forces of a supernova directly affect the newborn neutron stars or black holes left by it, because of the asymmetric emission of matter during the explosion.

From Science Daily