Asymmetric
not identical on both sides of a central line; unsymmetrical; lacking symmetry:
Most faces are asymmetric.
(of a logical or mathematical relation) holding true of members of a class in one order but not in the opposite order, as in the relation “being an ancestor of.”.
Chemistry.
having an unsymmetrical arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
noting a carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups.
(of a polymer) noting an atom or group that is within a polymer chain and is bonded to two different atoms or groups that are external to the chain.
Contemporary Examples
This is an ultimatum seeking a target in the disorienting matrix of asymmetric warfare.
The History and Logic of Military Ultimatums, From Suez to Crimea Jacob Siegel March 3, 2014
Like Wallace, Bruce was an underdog; unlike Wallace he won, proving himself a master of asymmetric warfare.
Embracing ‘Braveheart,’ GOP Pols Seem Infatuated With Martyrdom Alex Massie December 20, 2011
Talbot responded by pointing to the asymmetric nature of the conflict, and the systematized nature of the occupation.
Why Zionists Should Be Surprised—Even Heartened—By the United Church of Canada’s Boycott Mira Sucharov December 9, 2013
Historical Examples
Similarly, for a ketohexose, which contains three asymmetric carbon atoms, there are eight possible arrangements.
The Chemistry of Plant Life Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher
What in the name of all the Csars does an asymmetric atom of carbon mean?
Katharine Frensham Beatrice Harraden
This is usually attributed to the presence of an irregular astigmatism situated near the asymmetric meridian.
Schweigger on Squint C. Schweigger
Hence, all the possible compounds indicated by the presence of the asymmetric carbon have been found and identified.
The Chemistry of Plant Life Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher
I was trying to fit the shovel in and I remember saying that is too asymmetric.
Warren Commission (9 of 26): Hearings Vol. IX (of 15) The President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
On the left, with the ophthalmoscope hypermetropia 4·5 D. with asymmetric meridian.
Schweigger on Squint C. Schweigger
adjective
not symmetrical; lacking symmetry; misproportioned
(chem)
(of a molecule) having its atoms and radicals arranged unsymmetrically
(of a carbon atom) attached to four different atoms or radicals so that stereoisomerism results
involving chiral molecules: asymmetric synthesis
(electrical engineering) (of conductors) having different conductivities depending on the direction of current flow, as of diodes
(aeronautics) having unequal thrust, as caused by an inoperative engine in a twin-engined aircraft
(logic, maths) (of a relation) never holding between a pair of values x and y when it holds between y and x, as “…is the father of…” Compare symmetric (sense 1), antisymmetric, nonsymmetric
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