(ˈ)ā, (ˈ)a+ noun
( -es )
Etymology: Greek asymmetria incommensurability, lack of proportion, from asymmetros incommensurable, ill-proportioned (from a- a- (II) + symmetros commensurate, suitable, symmetrical) + -ia -y — more at symmetry
1. mathematics
a. obsolete : incommensurability
b. : skewness
2. : lack or absence of symmetry
the ideal of nonmetrical rhythm, like that of atonality, is asymmetry — Virgil Thomson
the Art Nouveau's wriggling asymmetries — T.H.Robsjohn-Gibbings
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
3. : want of symmetry in spatial arrangement of atoms and groups in a molecule (as similar to two nonsuperimposable mirror images) which may result from the presence of an asymmetric atom (as carbon, nitrogen, or sulfur) or if none is present in molecules with rigid structures (as in certain allenes, spirans, or cycloparaffin) or in molecules with restricted rotation about single bonds (as in certain biphenyls) — called also molecular asymmetry ; see optical isomerism