bilateral symmetry


nounBiology.
  1. a basic body plan in which the left and right sides of the organism can be divided into approximate mirror images of each other along the midline.

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Origin of bilateral symmetry

1
First recorded in 1850–55

Words Nearby bilateral symmetry

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How to use bilateral symmetry in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for bilateral symmetry

bilateral symmetry

noun
  1. the property of an organism or part of an organism such that, if cut in only one plane, the two cut halves are mirror images of each other: See also radial symmetry

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

Scientific definitions for bilateral symmetry

bilateral symmetry

[ bī-lătər-əl ]


  1. Symmetrical arrangement of an organism or part of an organism along a central axis, so that the organism or part can be divided into two equal halves. Bilateral symmetry is a characteristic of animals that are capable of moving freely through their environments. Compare radial symmetry.

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