asymmetric
adjective /ˌeɪsɪˈmetrɪk/
/ˌeɪsɪˈmetrɪk/
(also asymmetrical
/ˌeɪsɪˈmetrɪkl/
/ˌeɪsɪˈmetrɪkl/
)- having two sides or parts that are not the same in size or shape
- Most people's faces are asymmetric.
- (specialist) not equal, for example in the way each side or part behaves
- Linguists are studying the asymmetric use of Creole by parents and children (= parents use one language and children reply in another).
- Terrorism is a response to asymmetric warfare (= between forces with very different sizes, weapons or methods).
- Pilots need training in asymmetric flying (= when only one of two engines is working).
Word Originmid 17th cent.: from Greek asummetria, from a- ‘without’ + summetria (see symmetry) + -ic.