Bilateral symmetry

/baɪˈlætərəl ˈsɪmətri/ noun

A body plan in which the left and right sides of an organism are mirror images of each other when divided along a central axis. This type of symmetry is characteristic of most animals, including humans.

From Latin 'bi' (two) and 'latus' (side), combined with Greek 'symmetria' (measured together). The concept was formalized in biological terminology during the 18th century as scientists began systematically describing body plans.

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