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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)



46 words match “SYMMETRY”

SYMMETRY n. 4 definitions
Likeness in the form and size of floral organs of the same kind; regularity. Axis of symmetry. (Geom.) See under Axis. -- Respective symmetry, that disposition of parts in which only the opposite sides are equal to each other.
ASYMMETRY n. 2 definitions
Want of symmetry, or proportion between the parts of a thing, esp. want of bilateral symmetry.
DISSYMMETRY n.
Absence or defect of symmetry; asymmetry.
PSEUDO-SYMMETRY n.
A kind of symmetry characteristic of certain crystals which from twinning, or other causes, come to resemble forms of a system other than that to which they belong, as the apparently hexagonal prisms of aragonite.
ACCOMPANIMENT n.
ve greater completeness to the principal thing, or by way of ornament, or for the sake of symmetry. Specifically: (Mus.)
AMPHINEURA n.
A division of Mollusca remarkable for the bilateral symmetry of the organs and the arrangement of the nerves.
APPROXIMATION n.
and the most noble dispositions are but an approximation to the proper standard and true symmetry of human nature. I. Taylor.
AXIS n.
line describing a surface of revolution, and the plane a solid of revolution. -- Axis of symmetry (Geom.), any line in a plane figure which divides the figure into two such parts that one part, when folded over along the axis, shall coincide with the other part. -- Axis of the equator, ecliptic, horizon (or other cir…
BILATERAL a.
rtaining to the two sides of a central area or organ, or of a central axis; as, bilateral symmetry in animals, where there is a similarity of parts on the right and left sides of the body.
BUTTRESS n.
projecting mass of masonry, used for resisting the thrust of an arch, or for ornament and symmetry.
DEFORMITY n.
The state of being deformed; want of proper form or symmetry; any unnatural form or shape; distortion; irregularity of shape or features; ugliness. To make an envious mountain on my back, Where sits deformity to mock my body. Shak.
DEMOISELLE n.
The Numidian crane (Antropoides virgo); -- so called on account of the grace and symmetry of its form and movements.
DISPROPORTION n. 2 definitions
Want of proportion in form or quantity; lack of symmetry; as, the arm may be in disproportion to the body; the disproportion of the length of a building to its height.
DISPROPORTIONAL a.
Not having due proportion to something else; not having proportion or symmetry of parts; unsuitable in form, quantity or value; inadequate; unequal; as, a disproportional limb constitutes deformity in the body; the studies of youth should not be disproportional to their understanding.
DISSYMMETRICAL a.
Not having symmetry; asymmetrical; unsymmetrical.
ELASIPODA n.
der of holothurians mostly found in the deep sea. They are remarkable for their bilateral symmetry and curious forms. [Written also Elasmopoda.]
ELEGANT a.
inement, and the absence of every thing offensive; exciting admiration and approbation by symmetry, completeness, freedom from blemish, and the like; graceful; tasteful and highly attractive; as, elegant manners; elegant style of composition; an elegant speaker; an elegant structure. A more diligent cultivation of eleg…
ELEGANTLY adv.
In a manner to please nice taste; with elegance; with due symmetry; richly.
FALSE a.
ntation of a door or window, inserted to complete a series of doors or windows or to give symmetry. -- False fire, a combustible carried by vessels of war, chiefly for signaling, but sometimes burned for the purpose of deceiving an enemy; also, a light on shore for decoying a vessel to destruction. -- False galena. S…
HANDSOME a.
e eye or to correct taste; having a pleasing appearance or expression; attractive; having symmetry and dignity; comely; -- expressing more than pretty, and less than beautiful; as, a handsome man or woman; a handsome garment, house, tree, horse.
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