symmetry

n. [ L. symmetria, Gr. &unr_;; sy`n with, together + &unr_; a measure: cf. F. symétrie. See Syn-, and Meter rhythm. ] 1. A due proportion of the several parts of a body to each other; adaptation of the form or dimensions of the several parts of a thing to each other; the union and conformity of the members of a work to the whole. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Biol.) The law of likeness; similarity of structure; regularity in form and arrangement; orderly and similar distribution of parts, such that an animal may be divided into parts which are structurally symmetrical. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Bilateral symmetry, or two-sidedness, in vertebrates, etc., is that in which the body can be divided into symmetrical halves by a vertical plane passing through the middle; radial symmetry, as in echinoderms, is that in which the individual parts are arranged symmetrically around a central axis; serial symmetry, or zonal symmetry, as in earthworms, is that in which the segments or metameres of the body are disposed in a zonal manner one after the other in a longitudinal axis. This last is sometimes called metamerism. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Bot.) (a) Equality in the number of parts of the successive circles in a flower. (b) Likeness in the form and size of floral organs of the same kind; regularity. [ 1913 Webster ]

Axis of symmetry. (Geom.) See under Axis. --
Respective symmetry, that disposition of parts in which only the opposite sides are equal to each other. [ 1913 Webster ]