- symmetry
- 1563, "relation of parts, proportion," from L. symmetria, from Gk. symmetria "agreement in dimensions, due proportion, arrangement," from symmetros "having a common measure, even, proportionate," from syn- "together" + metron "meter" (see meter (2)). Meaning "harmonic arrangement of parts" first recorded 1599. Symmetrical is recorded from 1751. Symmetrophobia is from 1809, supposed to be evident in Egyptian temples and Japanese art.