asymmetry

Definition

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

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "Despite the generally symmetrical appearance of the two hemispheres, however, a number of biological asymmetries have been documented during the last hundred years."
• "If the planet is on moderate eccentric orbit (0.01), it creates large-scale azimuthal assymetries which evolve at the orbital velocity of the corresponding resonance, for example at half time the planet velocity for the stronger resonance, the 2:1 one."
• "In this sense, the concern of political economy with assymetries of information among political actors is well-placed."