asymmetry
noun
asym·me·try
(ˌ)ā-ˈsi-mə-trē 
plural asymmetries
: lack or absence of symmetry
As Mercury orbits the Sun, it experiences a small torque due to its slight asymmetry in the plane of its orbit …—
Johanna Miller
Johanna MillerFrench rococo was a part of this mood, which tended to favor pastel colors, asymmetry, a calculated disorder, a dreamy sensuality.—Jonathan D. Spence
Jonathan D. Spence"Handedness"—whether we are left- or right-handed—is a convenient indicator of the development of the brain asymmetries that are thought to be required for language.—Tim Flannery
Tim FlanneryExamples of asymmetry in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That asymmetry discourages investment in the very strategies that could build long-term economic resilience and that needs to change.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Root takes that concept of player asymmetry to another level, letting each player fight for dominion of the woodland wilderness with completely different actions and mechanisms.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025
The pro-Iranian cyber operations demonstrate an asymmetry with pro-Israeli cyber operations tied to the aerial war that began on June 13.
—Reuters, NBC news, 27 June 2025
Most of our culture is built for exclusive use and subsequent development of the right hand, which contributes to brain and body asymmetry.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for asymmetry
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Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Root takes that concept of player asymmetry to another level, letting each player fight for dominion of the woodland wilderness with completely different actions and mechanisms.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025
The pro-Iranian cyber operations demonstrate an asymmetry with pro-Israeli cyber operations tied to the aerial war that began on June 13.
—Reuters, NBC news, 27 June 2025
Most of our culture is built for exclusive use and subsequent development of the right hand, which contributes to brain and body asymmetry.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for asymmetry
Cite this Entry
“Asymmetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asymmetry. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
asymmetry
noun
asym·me·try
(ˈ)ā-ˈsim-ə-trē
plural asymmetries
1
: lack or absence of symmetry: as
a
: lack of proportion between the parts of a thing
especially
: want of bilateral symmetry
asymmetry in the development of the two sides of the brain
b
: lack of coordination of two parts acting in connection with one another
asymmetry of convergence of the eyes
2
: lack of symmetry in spatial arrangement of atoms and groups in a molecule
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