symmetry

[ sim-i-tree ]

noun

, plural sym·me·tries.

1. the correspondence in size, form, and arrangement of parts on opposite sides of a plane, line, or point; regularity of form or arrangement in terms of like, reciprocal, or corresponding parts.

   Synonyms: correspondence, concord, consonance

   Antonyms: asymmetry

2. the proper or due proportion of the parts of a body or whole to one another with regard to size and form; excellence of proportion.
3. beauty based on or characterized by such excellence of proportion.
4. Mathematics.
   1. a geometrical or other regularity that is possessed by a mathematical object and is characterized by the operations that leave the object invariant:

      A circle has rotational symmetry and reflection symmetry.

   2. a rotation or translation of a plane figure that leaves the figure unchanged although its position may be altered.
5. Physics. a property of a physical system that is unaffected by certain mathematical transformations as, for example, the work done by gravity on an object, which is not affected by any change in the position from which the potential energy of the object is measured.

symmetry

/ ˈsɪmɪtrɪ /

noun

1. similarity, correspondence, or balance among systems or parts of a system
2. maths an exact correspondence in position or form about a given point, line, or plane See symmetrical
3. beauty or harmony of form based on a proportionate arrangement of parts
4. physics the independence of a property with respect to direction; isotropy

symmetry

/ sĭm′ĭ-trē /

1. An exact matching of form and arrangement of parts on opposite sides of a boundary, such as a plane or line, or around a central point or axis.
2. See invariance

symmetry

1. In geometry , the equivalence, point for point, of a figure on opposite sides of a point, line , or plane .

Other Words From

• anti·symme·try adjective noun
• non·symme·try noun plural nonsymmetries

Word History and Origins

Origin of symmetry¹

1535–45; from Latin symmetria from Greek symmetría “commensurateness.” See sym-, -metry

Word History and Origins

Origin of symmetry¹

C16: from Latin symmetria, from Greek summetria proportion, from syn- + metron measure

Synonym Study

Symmetry, balance, proportion, harmony are terms used, particularly in the arts, to denote qualities based upon a correspondence or agreement, usually pleasing, among the parts of a whole. Symmetry implies either a quantitative equality of parts ( the perfect symmetry of pairs of matched columns ) or a unified system of subordinate parts: the symmetry of a well-ordered musical composition. Balance implies equality of parts, often as a means of emphasis: Balance in sentences may emphasize the contrast in ideas. Proportion depends less upon equality of parts than upon that agreement among them that is determined by their relation to a whole: The dimensions of the room gave a feeling of right proportion. Harmony, a technical term in music, may also suggest the pleasing quality that arises from a just ordering of parts in other forms of artistic composition: harmony of line, color, mass, phrase, ideas.

Example Sentences

Called the double pentagon, it is made by attaching two pentagons along a single edge and then gluing together parallel sides to create a two-holed doughnut with a rich collection of symmetries.

From Quanta Magazine

The four collaborators took advantage of these kinds of search efficiencies in a new way — in particular, they automated considerations about symmetries, where previous work had relied on mathematicians working practically by hand to deal with them.

From Quanta Magazine

In order to have structure in the universe, in order for us to exist, you also need to have this beautiful symmetry — that there’s no special observer.

From Quanta Magazine

Physicists then revealed the symmetries of elementary particles hidden within the elements’ atoms.

From Quanta Magazine

The complicated objects are often collections of mathematical objects — like numbers or symmetries — that stand in a particular structured relationship with each other.

From Quanta Magazine

But, he says, what ultimately makes a hat look good on a person is the symmetry of the crown of their head to their jaw line.

From The Daily Beast

In a nice bit of symmetry, 56% of Democrats said that Bush should be impeached in July of 2007, according to a Rasmussen survey.

From The Daily Beast

Somehow, finding a Jew to blame makes up sort of deep symmetry that allows people to comfort themselves that they have an answer.

From The Daily Beast

The symmetry of their experiences only made her more determined to continue her journey.

From The Daily Beast

And he might very well have felt the power of such poetic symmetry.

From The Daily Beast

If now we turn to the higher aspects of form, such as symmetry and proportion, we encounter a difficulty.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the ladies of "gentle blood," however, there is more of the asserted aristocratic symmetry and beauty than among the men.

From Project Gutenberg

The cubicula were also defaced, their symmetry injured, and their construction endangered by similar imprudent excavations.

From Project Gutenberg

He had such a good sense of symmetry that his piles were always extremely neat.

From Project Gutenberg

We perceive art in the arrangement of sentences, in the rhythm, in the symmetry of construction.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• equilibrium
• harmony
• rhythm
• similarity