What does dissymmetrical mean?
Dissymmetrical is a formal adjective meaning that something lacks symmetry or a balanced correspondence between its parts. It describes an object, form, arrangement, or system that cannot be divided into matching mirrored sections. A deliberately uneven building facade is dissymmetrical, as are two biological structures that differ in shape despite performing comparable functions. The word is closely related to asymmetrical and unsymmetrical, but it is less common and carries a more formal, often technical or descriptive register. It is especially useful when symmetry itself is the issue, as in architecture, design, biology, chemistry, and geometry. Although dissymmetrical can suggest unevenness, its core meaning is the absence of symmetry, not simply a lack of tidiness or a poor arrangement. Knowing the term gives writers and speakers a more exact and memorable way to describe forms whose parts do not mirror one another.
adjectiveLacking symmetry; not arranged with corresponding parts that mirror one another.
- Not symmetrical; lacking a correspondence or mirror relationship between parts.
"The facade is deliberately dissymmetrical, with a large window on one side and a solid wall on the other."
"The facade is intentionally dissymmetrical, with a large window on one side and a solid wall on the other."
"The two halves of the organism are not mirror images, so its body plan is dissymmetrical."
A symmetrical design gives every feature a twin; a dissymmetrical one lets one side break the rules.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does dissymmetrical come from?
The English adjective was formed in the early 19th century from the prefix dis-, meaning apart or away from, and symmetrical. Symmetrical was borrowed from Latin symmetricus, which in turn was derived from Greek symmetrikos, relating to symmetry or due proportion. The resulting word emphasizes the absence of the correspondence expressed by symmetrical.
How dissymmetrical is actually used
Formal and uncommon, with uses in architecture, design, biology, chemistry, and geometry. It is closely synonymous with asymmetrical but is less frequent in general usage.
Easily confused with dissymmetrical
The words are close synonyms because both describe something lacking symmetry; asymmetrical is the more common, everyday term, while dissymmetrical is rarer and more formal.