asymmetric

- 2 dictionary results

a⋅sym⋅met⋅ric

[ey-suh-me-trik, as-uh-]

–adjective

1.	not identical on both sides of a central line; unsymmetrical; lacking symmetry: Most faces are asymmetric.

2.	(of a logical or mathematical relation) holding true of members of a class in one order but not in the opposite order, as in the relation “being an ancestor of.”

Chemistry.

a.	having an unsymmetrical arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

b.	noting a carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups.

c.	(of a polymer) noting an atom or group that is within a polymer chain and is bonded to two different atoms or groups that are external to the chain.

Also, a⋅sym⋅met⋅ri⋅cal.

Origin:
1870–75; a- ⁶ + symmetric

Related forms:

a⋅sym⋅met⋅ri⋅cal⋅ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source

a·sym·met·ric (ā'sĭ-mět'rĭk)

adj.

Having no balance or symmetry.
Chemistry Of or relating to a carbon atom having four different atoms or structural groups attached to it, resulting in an unbalanced spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule, so that the molecule cannot be superimposed on its mirror image; chiral.

a'sym·met'ri·cal·ly adv.

Search another word or see asymmetric on Thesaurus | Reference

About
·
Privacy Policy
·
Terms of Use
·
Careers
·
Advertise with Us
·
Link to Us
·
Contact Us

Partner Sites: