parabiosis

(-bī ōsis)

noun

  1. the union of two animals, naturally or experimentally, as by blood circulatory connections
  2. the temporary and reversible suspension of a vital life process
  3. the living together of two or more different species, as in mixed flocks of birds or in mixed colonies of ants

Origin: para- + -biosis

Related Forms:

See parabiosis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. par·a·bi·o·ses (-sēz)
  1. The natural or surgical union of anatomical parts of two organisms, usually involving exchange of blood, as in the development of Siamese twins or in certain transplant operations.
  2. A temporary suspension of conductivity or excitability in a nerve.

Related Forms:

  • parˌa·bi·otˈic (-ŏtˈĭk) adjective
  • parˌa·bi·otˈi·cal·ly adverb

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