asymmetrical (adj.)

1680s; see asymmetry + -ical. Other forms that have served as an adjective based on asymmetry are asymmetral (1620s), asymmetrous (1660s), and asymmetric (1839); only the last seems to have any general currency. Related: Asymmetrically.

Entries linking to asymmetrical

asymmetry (n.)

1650s, "want of symmetry or proportion," from Greek asymmetria "want of proportion or harmony," abstract noun from asymmetros "having no common measure; disproportionate, unsymmetrical," from a- "not" (see a- (3)) + symmetros "commensurable" (see symmetry).

-ical

compound adjectival word-forming element, usually interchangeable with -ic but sometimes with specialized sense (such as historic/historical, politic/political), Middle English, from Late Latin -icalis, from Latin -icus + -alis (see -al (1)). Probably it was needed because the forms in -ic often took on a noun sense (for example physic). Forms in -ical tend to be attested earlier in English than their twins in -ic.

Others are reading

Share asymmetrical

‘cite’

Page URL:

https://www.etymonline.com/word/asymmetrical

HTML Link:

<a href="https://www.etymonline.com/word/asymmetrical">Etymology of asymmetrical by etymonline</a>

APA style:

Harper, D. (n.d.). Etymology of asymmetrical. Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved $(datetime), from https://www.etymonline.com/word/asymmetrical

Chicago style:

Harper Douglas, “Etymology of asymmetrical,” Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed $(datetime), https://www.etymonline.com/word/asymmetrical.

MLA style:

Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of asymmetrical.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/asymmetrical. Accessed $(datetimeMla).

IEEE style:

D. Harper. “Etymology of asymmetrical.” Online Etymology Dictionary. https://www.etymonline.com/word/asymmetrical (accessed $(datetime)).

Definitions of asymmetrical

asymmetrical (adj.)

characterized by asymmetry in the spatial arrangement or placement of parts or components;

Synonyms: asymmetric

asymmetrical (adj.)

irregular in shape or outline;

asymmetrical features

Synonyms: crooked

From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near asymmetrical

astute

Astyanax

asunder

asylee

asylum

asymmetrical

asymmetry

asymptomatic

asymptote

asymptotic

asynchronous