symmetric

UK: sɪˈmɛtrɪk | US: sɪˈmɛtrɪk

Definition
  1. adj. having or exhibiting symmetry; balanced or proportional in arrangement

  2. adj. (mathematics) unchanged in form after a transformation (e.g., reflection, rotation)

Structure
sym <together>metr <measure>ic <adjective suffix>sym <together>metr <measure>ic <adjective suffix>
Etymology

symmetric = sym<together> + metr<measure> + ic<adjective suffix>

  • sym<together>: From Greek syn-, meaning "with" or "together."
  • metr<measure>: From Greek metron, meaning "measure."
  • ic<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating "pertaining to."

Etymology Origin:
The word symmetric traces back to Greek symmetria ("agreement in dimensions, due proportion"), combining syn- (together) and metron (measure). It entered Late Latin as symmetricus and later Middle French as symétrique, retaining the core idea of balanced measurement. The term evolved to describe geometric and abstract balance, reflecting its mathematical precision.

Examples
  1. The butterfly’s wings are perfectly symmetric.

  2. The architect designed a symmetric facade for the building.

  3. In algebra, a symmetric matrix equals its transpose.

  4. The garden’s layout is symmetric, with matching plants on both sides.

  5. Her facial features are remarkably symmetric.