symmetry

American  

[sim-i-tree] / ˈsɪm ɪ tri /

noun

plural

symmetries

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.

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symmetry British  

/ 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

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symmetry Scientific  

/ 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

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symmetry Cultural  

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

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Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

• antisymmetry adjective
• nonsymmetry noun

Etymology

Origin of symmetry

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

Example Sentences

Its size and symmetry provide critical insight into how electrons interact and pair, making it a key fingerprint of the underlying superconducting mechanism.

From Science Daily

This reasoning relied on symmetry, repetition, and visual organization rather than written symbols.

From Science Daily

These theories describe systems that exhibit scale invariance symmetry -- meaning they look the same regardless of how closely they are examined, similar to fractals.

From Science Daily

"When we let them evolve in time, we find that they can settle into stable configurations called solitons. These solitons could provide a purely geometric explanation of phenomena such as spontaneous symmetry breaking."

From Science Daily

The plastic symmetry of “Battleship Potemkin,” its humanity, and its throbbing power still command respect, and Sergei Eisenstein endures as the finest film editor the world has seen.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• equilibrium
• harmony
• rhythm
• similarity