bilateral symmetry
noun
: symmetry in which similar anatomical parts are arranged on opposite sides of a median axis so that only one plane can divide the individual into essentially identical halves
Examples of bilateral symmetry in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Unlike bilaterians such as salamanders (and humans), which have bilateral symmetry (meaning a symmetrical right and left side), cnidarians have radial body symmetry, with body sections that extend out from the middle and are symmetrical all around.
—
Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 3 Jan. 2024
Yet, oddly, sea stars start their lives as larvae with bilateral symmetry, before changing into their radial adult form.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Nov. 2023
Humans and most other animals, on the other hand, have bilateral symmetry—meaning we can be separated down the middle into two equal parts.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Nov. 2023
Looking at the wide swath of animal life represented by sponges, cnidarians (such as hydras, jellyfish and corals) and bilaterians (animals with bilateral symmetry), the researchers found 29 blocks of genes that were highly conserved among their chromosomes.
—Quanta Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022
These three challenges revealed that starfish have a hidden bilateral symmetry, and move in a preferred direction.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2012
Frontal view of the compound eye showing its bilateral symmetry.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2014
Ji and Wu think that this hint of bilateral symmetry is a faint vestige of the body that starfish have as larvae.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2012
Related Articles Dakota beadwork often uses the concept of bilateral symmetry — the children’s coat’s left and right lapels are completely identical.
—Liv Martin, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2019
Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 3 Jan. 2024
Yet, oddly, sea stars start their lives as larvae with bilateral symmetry, before changing into their radial adult form.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Nov. 2023
Humans and most other animals, on the other hand, have bilateral symmetry—meaning we can be separated down the middle into two equal parts.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Nov. 2023
Looking at the wide swath of animal life represented by sponges, cnidarians (such as hydras, jellyfish and corals) and bilaterians (animals with bilateral symmetry), the researchers found 29 blocks of genes that were highly conserved among their chromosomes.
—Quanta Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022
These three challenges revealed that starfish have a hidden bilateral symmetry, and move in a preferred direction.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2012
Frontal view of the compound eye showing its bilateral symmetry.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2014
Ji and Wu think that this hint of bilateral symmetry is a faint vestige of the body that starfish have as larvae.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2012
Related Articles Dakota beadwork often uses the concept of bilateral symmetry — the children’s coat’s left and right lapels are completely identical.
—Liv Martin, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bilateral symmetry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1828, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of bilateral symmetry was
in 1828
Dictionary Entries Near bilateral symmetry
Cite this Entry
“Bilateral symmetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bilateral%20symmetry. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
bilateral symmetry
noun
: plant and animal symmetry in which similar parts are arranged so that one and only one plane can divide the individual into identical or nearly identical halves compare radial symmetry
Medical Definition
bilateral symmetry
noun
: symmetry in which similar anatomical parts are arranged on opposite sides of a median axis so that one and only one plane can divide the individual into essentially identical halves
More from Merriam-Webster on bilateral symmetry
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bilateral symmetry
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