symmetry

[ sim-i-tree ]
/ ˈsɪm ɪ tri /

noun, plural sym·me·tries.

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.
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.
beauty based on or characterized by such excellence of proportion.
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.
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.

Origin of symmetry

1535–45; < Latin symmetria < Greek symmetría commensurateness. See sym-, -metry

SYNONYMS FOR symmetry

1 consonance, concord, correspondence. 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.

ANTONYMS FOR symmetry

1 asymmetry.

OTHER WORDS FROM symmetry

an·ti·sym·me·try, adjective, noun non·sym·me·try, noun, plural non·sym·me·tries.

Words nearby symmetry

symmetric group, symmetric matrix, symmetrical, symmetrical gangrene, symmetrize, symmetry, symmetry element, symmetry plane, symonds, symons, sympath-

British Dictionary definitions for antisymmetry

symmetry
/ (ˈsɪmɪtrɪ) /

noun plural -tries

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

Word Origin for symmetry

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

Medical definitions for antisymmetry

symmetry
[ sĭm′ĭ-trē ]

n.

Exact correspondence of form and constituent configuration on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane or about a center or an axis.

Scientific definitions for antisymmetry

symmetry
[ sĭm′ĭ-trē ]

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.
Physics See invariance.

Cultural definitions for antisymmetry

symmetry

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