symbiosis
symbiosis Lexical Profile
symbiosis Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A close and often long-term biological interaction between two different organisms living in physical association, typically to the advantage of both.
"Clownfish and sea anemones live in a classic state of symbiosis, providing protection and nutrients to one another."
A mutually beneficial relationship between different people, groups, or organizations that depend on one another.
"There is a natural symbiosis between the university's research laboratories and the local technology startups."
Word Nuance & Usage
In everyday usage, 'symbiosis' almost always implies a mutually beneficial relationship, though in strict biological terminology it encompasses all close long-term interactions between species, including commensalism and parasitism.
• Rhymes for symbiosis
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 19th century via Modern Latin from Ancient Greek 'symbiosis' (a living together, companionship), derived from 'symbioun' (to live together), from 'syn-' (together) and 'bios' (life).