bilateral symmetry
noun Biology.
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.
Nearby words
bilabial, bilabiate, bilander, bilateral, bilateral hermaphroditism, bilateral symmetry, bilateral trade, bilateralism, bilayer, bilbao, bilberry
Compare radial symmetry.
Origin of bilateral symmetry
First recorded in 1850–55
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for bilateral symmetry
bilateral symmetry
noun
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 otherSee also radial symmetry
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medicine definitions for bilateral symmetry
bilateral symmetry
n.
Symmetrical arrangement, as of an organism or a body part, along a central axis, so that the body is divided into equivalent right and left halves by only one plane.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for bilateral symmetry
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.