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
Interest in imperfection, roughness, and asymmetry was already growing in the digital era before AI arrived.
—Andrey Mir, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
The result is a force built on redundancy, asymmetry and endurance.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Physicists call this problem the matter-antimatter asymmetry.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
At the same time, cross-border data flows remain porous, creating asymmetries that further complicate the landscape.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for asymmetry
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Andrey Mir, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
The result is a force built on redundancy, asymmetry and endurance.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Physicists call this problem the matter-antimatter asymmetry.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
At the same time, cross-border data flows remain porous, creating asymmetries that further complicate the landscape.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for asymmetry
Cite this Entry
“Asymmetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asymmetry. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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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