asymmetric

or a·sym·met·ri·cal

[ey-suh-me-trik or ey-suh-me-tri-kuh l; as-uh-]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR asymmetric ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

not identical on both sides of a central line; unsymmetrical; lacking symmetry: Most faces are asymmetric.

(of a logical or mathematical relation) holding true of members of a class in one order but not in the opposite order, as in the relation “being an ancestor of.”

Chemistry.

having an unsymmetrical arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
noting a carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups.
(of a polymer) noting an atom or group that is within a polymer chain and is bonded to two different atoms or groups that are external to the chain.

RELATED WORDS

asymmetrical, unbalanced, unsymmetrical

Nearby words

Origin of asymmetric

First recorded in 1870–75; a-⁶ + symmetric

Related formsa·sym·met·ri·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for asymmetric

This is an ultimatum seeking a target in the disorienting matrix of asymmetric warfare.
The History and Logic of Military Ultimatums, From Suez to Crimea|Jacob Siegel|March 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Like Wallace, Bruce was an underdog; unlike Wallace he won, proving himself a master of asymmetric warfare.
Embracing 'Braveheart,' GOP Pols Seem Infatuated With Martyrdom|Alex Massie|December 21, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Hence, all the possible compounds indicated by the presence of the asymmetric carbon have been found and identified.
The Chemistry of Plant Life|Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher
Similarly, for a ketohexose, which contains three asymmetric carbon atoms, there are eight possible arrangements.
The Chemistry of Plant Life|Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher

This is usually attributed to the presence of an irregular astigmatism situated near the asymmetric meridian.
Schweigger on Squint|C. Schweigger
What in the name of all the Csars does an asymmetric atom of carbon mean?
Katharine Frensham|Beatrice Harraden
I was trying to fit the shovel in and I remember saying that is too asymmetric.
Warren Commission (9 of 26): Hearings Vol. IX (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

British Dictionary definitions for asymmetric

asymmetric

asymmetrical

adjective

not symmetrical; lacking symmetry; misproportioned

chem

(of a molecule) having its atoms and radicals arranged unsymmetrically
(of a carbon atom) attached to four different atoms or radicals so that stereoisomerism results
involving chiral moleculesasymmetric synthesis

electrical engineering (of conductors) having different conductivities depending on the direction of current flow, as of diodes

aeronautics having unequal thrust, as caused by an inoperative engine in a twin-engined aircraft

logic maths (of a relation) never holding between a pair of values x and y when it holds between y and x, as " …is the father of… "Compare symmetric (def. 1), antisymmetric, nonsymmetric

Derived Formsasymmetrically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012