Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » symbiosis

symbiosis

Symbiosis refers to relationships or interactions between people or organisms which are mutually beneficial to both. (noun)

An example of symbiosis is when a small fish cleans the teeth of a large fish and the large fish protects the small fish from predators.

See symbiosis in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Biol. the intimate living together of two kinds of organisms, esp. if such association is of mutual advantage
a similar relationship of mutual interdependence

Related Forms:

symbiotic adjective

See symbiosis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

sym·bi·o·sis

noun pl. sym·bi·o·ses (-sēz)

Biology A close, prolonged association between two or more different organisms of different species that may, but does not necessarily, benefit each member.
A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.

Origin: Greek sumbiōsis, companionship, from sumbioun, to live together, from sumbios, living together : sun-, syn- + bios, life; see g^wei- in Indo-European roots.

Related Forms:

symbiotic symˌbi·otˈic (-ŏtˈĭk), symˌbi·otˈi·cal (-ĭ-kəl) adjective

symˌbi·otˈi·cal·ly adverb

Learn more about symbiosis

» SYMBIOSIS abbreviations & acronyms

» symbiosis Culture

» symbiosis medical definition

» symbiosis science

» symbiosis sentence examples

» symbiosis quote examples

Related Articles

» Examples of Symbiosis

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD

Feedback