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
The strikes showcased the asymmetry in the two countries’ military capabilities: Iran launched many missiles with limited results, but the IDF accurately hit high-value targets, including Iran’s S-300 antiaircraft systems and a nuclear weapons research facility in Parchin.
—Amos Yadlin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Dec. 2024
Hall and his team of cutters typically take 27 measurements, and add notations about posture, and physical asymmetries.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024
Designers are leaning into asymmetry and embracing imperfection, including decorating with two different nightstands and using furniture in the bedroom that is increasingly eclectic, but still cohesive.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2024
There’s a deep asymmetry at play here, with falling from grace requiring no effort whereas rebuilding what was lost takes heroic levels of effort.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
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Amos Yadlin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Dec. 2024
Hall and his team of cutters typically take 27 measurements, and add notations about posture, and physical asymmetries.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024
Designers are leaning into asymmetry and embracing imperfection, including decorating with two different nightstands and using furniture in the bedroom that is increasingly eclectic, but still cohesive.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2024
There’s a deep asymmetry at play here, with falling from grace requiring no effort whereas rebuilding what was lost takes heroic levels of effort.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for asymmetry
Dictionary Entries Near asymmetry
Cite this Entry
“Asymmetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asymmetry. Accessed 18 Jan. 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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