bilateral symmetry
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- Compare radial symmetry.
Words Nearby bilateral symmetry
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use bilateral symmetry in a sentence
All animals with bilateral symmetry, meaning their left and right sides are mirror images, share similar body plans.
Animals have an internal ‘GPS’ that tells body parts where to grow | Ethan Bier/The Conversation | November 12, 2021 | Popular-ScienceThe flatworms are the first animals to assume pronounced bilateral symmetry.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide | Augusta Foote Arnoldbilateral symmetry has long been recognized as a primary principle in æsthetic composition.
Harvard Psychological Studies, Volume 1 | VariousUnequal division would thus be an instance of bilateral symmetry.
Harvard Psychological Studies, Volume 1 | VariousA bilateral symmetry is thus even at this stage clearly indicated.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume II (of 4) | Francis Maitland Balfour
Its bilateral symmetry is further indicated by a median longitudinal furrow.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume II (of 4) | Francis Maitland Balfour
British Dictionary definitions for bilateral symmetry
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
[ bī-lăt′ər-əl ]
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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