asymmetric

American  

[ey-suh-me-trik, as-uh-] / ˌeɪ səˈmɛ trɪk, ˌæs ə- /

Also asymmetrical

adjective

1. not identical on both sides of a central line; unsymmetrical; lacking symmetry.

   Most faces are asymmetric.

2. (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.”

3. Chemistry.

   1. having an unsymmetrical arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

   2. noting a carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups.

   3. (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.

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asymmetric British  

/ ˌeɪ-, ˌæsɪˈmɛtrɪk /

adjective

1. not symmetrical; lacking symmetry; misproportioned

2. chem

   1. (of a molecule) having its atoms and radicals arranged unsymmetrically

   2. (of a carbon atom) attached to four different atoms or radicals so that stereoisomerism results

   3. involving chiral molecules

      asymmetric synthesis

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

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

5. 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 antisymmetric nonsymmetric

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Other Word Forms

• asymmetrically adverb

Etymology

Origin of asymmetric

First recorded in 1870–75; a- ⁶ + symmetric ( def. )

Example Sentences

The pure plays might produce asymmetric returns, but they also face binary outcomes.

From MarketWatch

Conversely, if the decision Jan. 15 is positive then both Strategy and bitcoin may exhibit asymmetric upside in a relief rebound.

From MarketWatch

During recessions, the stocks often fall about the same, or worse, than the broader market, “but allowed investors to achieve asymmetric returns, when the unknown bottom, was realized,” he wrote.

From Barron's

During recessions, the stocks often fall about the same, or worse, than the broader market, “but allowed investors to achieve asymmetric returns, when the unknown bottom, was realized,” he wrote.

From Barron's

Within this group, Janus materials stand apart because their top and bottom atomic layers are composed of different chemical elements, giving them an asymmetric structure.

From Science Daily