dissymmetry

American  

[dih-sim-i-tree, dis-sim-] / dɪˈsɪm ɪ tri, dɪsˈsɪm- /

noun

1. absence or lack of symmetry.

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dissymmetry British  

/ dɪˈsɪmɪtrɪ, dɪsˈsɪm-, ˌdɪssɪ- /

noun

1. lack of symmetry

2. the relationship between two objects when one is the mirror image of the other See also chirality

3. another name for chirality

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Other Word Forms

• dissymmetric
  adjective
• dissymmetrical
  adjective
• dissymmetrically
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of dissymmetry

First recorded in 1835–45; dis- ¹ + symmetry

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dissymmetry

If Pasteur's idea as to the dissymmetry of crystals were confirmed, a great scientific advance was assured.

From Makers of Modern Medicine by James J. (James Joseph) Walsh

I am inclined to think that life, as manifested to us, must be a function of the dissymmetry of the universe or of the consequences that follow in its train.

From Makers of Modern Medicine by James J. (James Joseph) Walsh

Pasteur's discoveries in dissymmetry have brought us closer than ever before to the mystery of life.

From Makers of Modern Medicine by James J. (James Joseph) Walsh

None of these substances, however, has any effect on polarized light or shows any dissymmetry in the form of its crystals.

From Makers of Modern Medicine by James J. (James Joseph) Walsh

When chemical action becomes more profound--that is, becomes absolutely analytic or loosening of the original bonds imposed by nature--all dissymmetry disappears.

From Makers of Modern Medicine by James J. (James Joseph) Walsh

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Related Words

• imbalance
• inequality

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