We propose a hierarchical classification of kink species in dislocatio
n cores which considers three sources or broken symmetry, host lattice
structure, character of the dislocation, and core reconstruction effe
cts. Kink multiplicity in bcc and diamond cubic lattices is examined a
nd verified directly by atomistic calculations using appropriate inter
atomic potential models fur Mo and Si. Much of the complexity of dislo
cation kink mechanisms can be rationalized in terms of the identified
underlying causes of symmetry breaking.