endosymbiosis

noun en·do·sym·bi·o·sis \ˌen-dō-ˌsim-bī-ˈō-səs, -bē-\

Definition of ENDOSYMBIOSIS

: symbiosis in which a symbiont dwells within the body of its symbiotic partner

— en·do·sym·bi·ont \-ˈsim-bī-ˌänt, -bē-\ noun

— en·do·sym·bi·ot·ic \-ˌsim-bī-ˈä-tik, -bē-\ adjective

circa 1940

Medical Dictionary

noun en·do·sym·bi·o·sis \ˌen-dō-ˌsim-bī-ˈō-səs, -bē-\

plural en·do·sym·bi·o·ses \-ˌsēz\

: symbiosis in which a symbiotic organism lives within the body of its partner

—en·do·sym·bi·ot·ic \-ˈät-ik\ adjective

Next Word in the Dictionary: endotergitePrevious Word in the Dictionary: endosulfanAll Words Near: endosymbiosis

What made you want to look up endosymbiosis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears