sə̇ˈme.trə̇kəl, -rēk- adjective
or sym·met·ric -rik, -rēk
Etymology: symmetry + -ical or -ic
1. : having or involving symmetry : exhibiting symmetry : exhibiting correspondence in size and shape of parts : balanced , regular
the human body is symmetrical
crystals are often symmetrical
a symmetrical garden
a symmetrical grouping
2. : having corresponding points whose connecting lines are bisected by a given point or perpendicularly bisected by a given line or plane — used of geometrical figures
3.
a. : being of such nature that the terms may be interchanged without altering the value, character, or truth — used especially of mathematical relations, functions, and equations
c.f(a+b) is symmetrical with respect to a and b but not generally with respect to a and c
b. : commensurable
4.
a. of a shoot or other plant part : capable of division by a longitudinal plane into similar halves — compare antinomorphic, zygomorphic
b. of a flower : having the same number of members in each whorl of floral leaves — compare regular 2c
5. : affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly
symmetrical gangrene of the legs
6. : exhibiting symmetry in the structural formula ; especially : relating to derivatives in which groups are substituted symmetrically in the molecule
symmetrical dichloro-ethylene ClCH . CHCl
symmetrical or 1,3,5-trinitro-benzene