symmetrical

adjective sym·met·ri·cal \sə-ˈme-tri-kəl\

: having sides or halves that are the same : having or showing symmetry

Full Definition of SYMMETRICAL

: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry

: having corresponding points whose connecting lines are bisected by a given point or perpendicularly bisected by a given line or plane <symmetrical curves>

symmetric : being such that the terms or variables may be interchanged without altering the value, character, or truth <symmetric equations> <R is a symmetric relation if aRb implies bRa>

a : capable of division by a longitudinal plane into similar halves <symmetrical plant parts>

b : having the same number of members in each whorl of floral leaves <symmetrical flowers>

: affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly <symmetrical rash>

: exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula; especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule

— sym·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— sym·met·ri·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

See symmetrical defined for English-language learners

See symmetrical defined for kids

Variants of SYMMETRICAL

sym·met·ri·cal or sym·met·ric \-trik\

First Known Use of SYMMETRICAL

1653

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

SYMMETRIC Defined for Kids

symmetrical

adjective sym·met·ri·cal \sə-ˈme-tri-kəl\

Definition of SYMMETRICAL for Kids

: having or showing symmetry <a symmetrical shape>

Variants of SYMMETRICAL

sym·met·ri·cal or sym·met·ric \-rik\

Medical Dictionary

symmetrical

adjective sym·met·ri·cal \sə-ˈme-tri-kəl\

Medical Definition of SYMMETRICAL

: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry: as a : affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly <a symmetrical rash> b : exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula; especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule

—sym·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb