bilateral symmetry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, technical, academic
Quick answer
What does “bilateral symmetry” mean?
A property of an organism, object, or geometric figure that can be divided into two identical, mirror-image halves by a single plane.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A property of an organism, object, or geometric figure that can be divided into two identical, mirror-image halves by a single plane.
In extended use, refers to any arrangement, agreement, or relationship involving two equal and corresponding sides or parties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; both use the term identically.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations; slightly more common in American academic discourse due to larger volume of scientific literature.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, equally rare in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “bilateral symmetry” in a Sentence
[NP] has/possesses/exhibits bilateral symmetry.The bilateral symmetry of [NP] is evident.[NP] is characterized by bilateral symmetry.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bilateral symmetry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The organism bilaterally symmetrises during embryonic development. (rare technical use)
American English
- The body plan bilateralizes early in ontogeny. (rare technical use)
adverb
British English
- The organs are arranged bilaterally symmetrically. (highly technical)
American English
- The structures developed bilaterally symmetrically. (highly technical)
adjective
British English
- The butterfly is a bilaterally symmetrical organism.
American English
- The beetle has a bilaterally symmetrical body plan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; might appear metaphorically in 'bilateral symmetry of the trade agreement' to imply equal benefits.
Academic
Common in biology, zoology, geometry, art history, and architecture.
Everyday
Very rare; might be used when discussing animal bodies (e.g., butterflies) or design.
Technical
Core term in developmental biology, comparative anatomy, and geometric design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bilateral symmetry”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bilateral symmetry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bilateral symmetry”
- Mispronouncing 'bilateral' as /bɪˈlætərəl/ instead of /baɪˈlætərəl/.
- Using 'bilateral symmetry' to describe a relationship between two unrelated things (e.g., 'the bilateral symmetry of our opinions') is a stylistic overextension.
- Confusing with 'bilaterally symmetrical', which is the adjective form.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specific type of symmetry. 'Symmetrical' is general; 'bilateral symmetry' means divisible into mirror halves by one specific plane.
Yes, infinitely many planes of bilateral symmetry pass through the centre of a circle, but it is more famously known for its radial symmetry.
It is a technical stretch. While understood metaphorically, terms like 'reciprocal', 'balanced', or 'mutual' are more standard in business English.
In biology, the common opposite is radial symmetry (like a starfish) or asymmetry (like a sponge). In general terms, the opposite is asymmetry.
A property of an organism, object, or geometric figure that can be divided into two identical, mirror-image halves by a single plane.
Bilateral symmetry is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Bilateral symmetry: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.læt.ər.əl ˈsɪm.ɪ.tri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈlæt̬.ɚ.əl ˈsɪm.ə.tri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms; term is technical]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BI-lateral' = TWO sides, like a BI-cycle has two wheels. 'Symmetry' = same measure. So, two sides that are mirror images.
Conceptual Metaphor
BALANCE IS SYMMETRY; RECIPROCITY IS MIRRORING.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following does NOT typically exhibit bilateral symmetry?