noun

symbiosis

sihm-beye-OH-sihs

noun

A close, long-term relationship between different species that benefits at least one, and often both.

"The clownfish and sea anemone live in a classic symbiosis."

"Bees and flowering plants have evolved a mutual symbiosis over millions of years."

A close, cooperative relationship between different groups or types of people.

"The city thrives on a symbiosis between its universities and its tech industry."

How to Use Symbiosis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA close relationship where two different things (species, groups, or ideas) live together and rely on each other.

Common mistake

Symbiosis doesn't always mean both sides benefit equally — biologists distinguish this general term from mutualism, where both sides clearly gain.

Common pairings

mutual symbiosis a symbiosis between live in symbiosis

symbioses plural

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The clownfish and sea anemone live in a classic _____.

From Ancient Greek symbiosis, "living together," from syn- ("with") + bios ("life").

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