asymmetry

CEFRC2

/eɪˈsɪmɪtɹi/

noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    A lack of matching or equal parts on two sides.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    The lack of a common measure between two objects or quantities; incommensurability.

Examples

  • Do you know that the French do not hear the difference between "symmetry" and "asymmetry"?

  • Despite the generally symmetrical appearance of the two hemispheres, however, a number of biological asymmetries have been documented during the last hundred years.

At a glance

Sits at C2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
3
Parts of speech
1
Citations
4

Also pronounced

  • /æɪˈsɪmɪtɹi/

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meaning

  1. An absence of symmetry or proportion between the parts of a thing, or a distinction that produces such a lack of symmetry.

More examples

In context

  • In this sense, the concern of political economy with assymetries of information among political actors is well-placed.

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Deep check

Biologists noted that the slight blank in the bird's wings was likely a genetic mutation.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

From Ancient Greek ἀσυμμετρία (asummetría), from ἀσύμμετρος (asúmmetros) + -ία (-ía), from ἀ- (a-) + σύμμετρος (súmmetros); equivalent to a- + symmetry.