Asymmetric

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌeɪ.səˈmɛt.ɹɪk/

Definitions

1. Not identical or balanced on both sides, with one side differing in size, shape, or arrangement from the other
2. lacking equal or corresponding parts on opposing sides, creating an imbalance in form or structure
3. characterized by unequal distribution or arrangement between opposite halves or elements

Etymology: The Greek root of "asymmetric" is built from two parts: "a-", meaning "not" or "without," and "symmetric," from "summetria," which was a term for proportion or agreement of measure. Ancient Greek "asummetria" meant "disproportion" or even "deformity," so the original sense leaned toward something being badly out of proportion rather than simply uneven. That negative tone is the reverse of how we often use the word today, when a lopsided design or an uneven distribution is described in neutral terms. English took the idea through the Greek-derived form "symmetric," which carried the sense of parts that correspond in size, shape and arrangement around a central line or point. Adding the negating "a-" produced the adjective, describing anything whose parts fail to match on either side of that line. The word is a transparent compound, so its meaning follows directly from its two halves.

Synonyms: uneven, unbalanced, irregular, lopsided, disproportionate

Antonyms: symmetric, balanced, even, regular, proportional