Hemisymmetry

/ˌhɛmiˈsɪmətri/ noun

Definition

The condition or quality of being symmetrical on only one half or side of something.

Etymology

Combination of hemi- (half) and symmetry (from Greek symmetria). This term emerged in biological and mathematical contexts during the 1800s to describe partial or incomplete symmetrical patterns.

Kelly Says

Hemisymmetry is actually more common in nature than perfect symmetry—your face isn't perfectly symmetrical, and neither are most animals' bodies, which is why mathematicians and biologists had to create a special term for this 'almost but not quite' pattern.

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