First Known Use: 1622
Dictionary
symbiosis
noun sym·bi·o·sis \ˌsim-bē-ˈō-səs, -ˌbī-\
biology : the relationship between two different kinds of living things that live together and depend on each other
: a relationship between two people or groups that work with and depend on each other
plural sym·bi·o·ses\-ˌsēz\
Full Definition of SYMBIOSIS
1
: the living together in more or less intimate association or close union of two dissimilar organisms (as in parasitism or commensalism); especially : mutualism
2
: a cooperative relationship (as between two persons or groups) <the symbiosis…between the resident population and the immigrants — John Geipel>
— sym·bi·ot·ic \-ˈä-tik\ adjective
— sym·bi·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of SYMBIOSIS
New Latin, from German Symbiose, from Greek symbiōsis state of living together, from symbioun to live together, from symbios living together, from syn- + bios life — more at quick
Other Ecology Terms
Rhymes with SYMBIOSIS
Medical Dictionary
symbiosis
noun sym·bi·o·sis \ˌsim-ˌbī-ˈō-səs, -bē-\
plural sym·bi·o·ses \-ˌsēz\
Medical Definition of SYMBIOSIS
1
: the living together of two dissimilar organisms in more or less intimate association or close union
2
: the intimate living together of two dissimilar organisms in a mutually beneficial relationship; especially : mutualism
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