ENGLISH
REFERENCE

symmetry

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsɪmətɹi// UK //sˈɪmətɹi// sym·me·try

n. the quality of having two halves that match each other perfectly. You see this when one side of a shape or object is a mirror image of the other.

n. the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis. Often implies a sense of harmonious and beautiful proportion.


SIMPLE

The butterfly's wings have perfect symmetry.

CONTEXTUAL

Architects often use symmetry in building design to create a feeling of balance and stability.

COMPLEX

The mathematician explained how the underlying symmetry of the crystal structure determines its physical properties and how it interacts with light.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Latin symmetria, from Ancient Greek συμμετρία (summetría), from σύμμετρος (súmmetros, “symmetrical”), from σύν (sún, “with”) + μέτρον (métron, “measure”). By surface analysis, sym- + -metry.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general quality; countable when referring to specific mathematical or physical properties.

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