asymmetric

[ ey-suh-me-trik, as-uh- ]

/ ˌeɪ səˈmɛ trɪk, ˌæs ə- /

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See synonyms for: asymmetric / asymmetrically 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.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also a·sym·met·ri·cal

[ey-suh-me-tri-kuhl, as-uh-] /ˌeɪ səˈmɛ trɪ kəl, ˌæs ə-/ .

Origin of asymmetric

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

OTHER WORDS FROM asymmetric

a·sym·met·ri·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby asymmetric

as yet, asylee, asyllabic, asylum, asylum seeker, asymmetric, asymmetrical warfare, asymmetric bars, asymmetric slow-wave sleep, asymmetric time, asymmetric warfare

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use asymmetric in a sentence

Today, building such asymmetric molecules and controlling which version gets produced is extremely important.
Chemists win Nobel Prize for faster, cleaner way of making molecules|Jonathan Lambert|October 7, 2021|Science News For Students
Opher and her colleagues predicted how the interstellar magnetic field would press on the heliosphere, making it asymmetric particularly in its southern part, which the Voyagers verified.
The Safety Belt of Our Solar System - Issue 107: The Edge|Virat Markandeya|October 6, 2021|Nautilus
Consequently, building these asymmetric molecules and controlling which version of a molecule gets produced is extremely important, especially for drug development.
An easier, greener way to build molecules wins the chemistry Nobel Prize|Jonathan Lambert|October 6, 2021|Science News
Benjamin List and David MacMillan won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for their development of asymmetric organocatalysis, an "ingenious tool" to build molecules, the Nobel Foundation announced Wednesday.
Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded for "ingenious" tool to build molecules|Jacob Knutson|October 6, 2021|Axios

These water-repellent, UPF-50 asymmetric cargos zip off at the knee and have plenty of pockets to store extra flies and small tools.
15 National Park Fishing Spots to Add to Your Bucket List|kklein|September 30, 2021|Outside Online
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
This is usually attributed to the presence of an irregular astigmatism situated near the asymmetric meridian.
Schweigger on Squint|C. Schweigger
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
Similarly, for a ketohexose, which contains three asymmetric carbon atoms, there are eight possible arrangements.
The Chemistry of Plant Life|Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher
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
What in the name of all the Csars does an asymmetric atom of carbon mean?
Katharine Frensham|Beatrice Harraden

British Dictionary definitions for asymmetric

asymmetric

asymmetrical

/ (ˌæsɪˈmɛtrɪk, ˌeɪ-) /

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 forms of asymmetric

asymmetrically, 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

asymmetric

Origin of asymmetric

OTHER WORDS FROM asymmetric

Words nearby asymmetric

Words related to asymmetric

How to use asymmetric in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for asymmetric

asymmetrical

Derived forms of asymmetric