symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or symmetric

sə-ˈme-trik 

1

: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry

2

: having corresponding points whose connecting lines are bisected by a given point or perpendicularly bisected by a given line or plane

symmetrical curves

3

symmetric : being such that the terms or variables may be interchanged without altering the value, character, or truth

symmetric equations

R is a symmetric relation if aRb implies bRa

4

a

: capable of division by a longitudinal plane into similar halves

symmetrical plant parts

b

: having the same number of members in each whorl of floral leaves

symmetrical flowers

5

: affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly

symmetrical rash

6

: exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula

especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule

symmetrically

sə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

symmetricalness

sə-ˈme-tri-kəl-nəs 

noun

Examples of symmetrical in a Sentence

The human body is symmetrical.

Recent Examples on the Web

Plants selected may have naturally compact or symmetrical forms and are chosen more for that quality than flowering capacity, although azaleas and dwarf Indian hawthorns, which flower for a single season, are often included. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Jan. 2025

Often, the neoclassical style expresses itself in subtle ways, with façades that are symmetrical and balanced, or an emphasis on classical proportions and scales in interior spaces. —Lauren Gallow, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025

Why the universe made more matter than antimatter in the Big Bang is a mystery — if the two are perfectly symmetrical, then shouldn't there be an equal amount of both? —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Dec. 2024

Open-plan layouts, clean symmetrical lines, and expansive glass panels connect the interiors seamlessly to the surrounding natural beauty along with the maze-like pool that winds around the property, creating a peaceful atmosphere. —Jennifer Lee, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or symmetric

-trik 

: having, involving, or showing symmetry

symmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or symmetric

-trik 

: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry: as

a

: affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly

a symmetrical rash

b

: exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula

especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule

symmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb