bilaterally symmetrical

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Word: Bilaterally Symmetrical

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The term "bilaterally symmetrical" describes something that has two identical sides. If you draw a line down the middle of an object that is bilaterally symmetrical, both sides look the same. This means that if you were to fold it in half along that line, the two halves would match perfectly.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "bilaterally symmetrical" to describe objects, living creatures, or shapes that can be divided into two equal halves.
• This term is often used in biology, art, and geometry.

Examples:

1. Biology: "A butterfly is bilaterally symmetrical because both its left and right wings are the same shape and size."
2. Art: "The design of the building is bilaterally symmetrical, with identical windows on each side."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "bilaterally symmetrical" can be used in discussions about evolutionary biology, where some species may exhibit bilateral symmetry as an advantage for movement and survival.

Word Variants:

• Symmetry: The quality of being symmetrical.
• Symmetrical: An adjective that means having symmetry, similar to "bilaterally symmetrical" but can refer to other forms of symmetry as well.

Different Meanings:

While "bilaterally symmetrical" specifically refers to two identical sides, the word "symmetrical" can be applied to three-dimensional objects or even concepts where balance and proportion exist, like in art or music.

Synonyms:

• Mirror-image: Something that looks exactly the same on both sides.
• Even: When something is the same on both sides.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "bilaterally symmetrical." However, you might hear "to balance out" in discussions about symmetry in general, which means to make two sides equal or fair.

Summary:

"Bilateral symmetry" is an important concept in various fields, especially in nature and design.

Academic

Adjective

1. having identical parts on each side of an axis
2. capable of division into symmetrical halves by only one longitudinal plane passing through the axis

Synonyms

• bilateral
• isobilateral
• bilaterally symmetric
• zygomorphic
• zygomorphous