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. 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. 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

• symˈmetricalness, noun
• symˈmetrically, adverb

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

She looks that Medicaid doctor right in his very symmetrical face and says through grunts and gritted teeth: “My girl doesn’t like to wait.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Challenges are simple investigative or creative projects like ‘Can you find something that’s symmetrical?’ or ‘Can you teach us how to play your favorite sport or physical activity?’

From Seattle Times

Less symmetrical arrangements, the team found, provide more useful information from a small array, explains Okabe, who is the lead author of the work.

From Science Daily

The most distinctive stone tools are small, symmetrical triangular points.

From Science Daily

“People make the mistake when they try to put together a gallery wall of being too symmetrical and perfect,” Moore said.

From Seattle Times