symbiosis
n. C / Un. a close relationship between two different living things where both benefit. It is like a partnership in nature where each side helps the other survive.
n. a close and often long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms, typically providing a benefit to both. In ecology, it describes a mutualistic relationship where both species derive a net benefit.
The relationship between bees and flowers is a perfect example of symbiosis.
The study of coral reefs reveals a complex symbiosis between the polyps and the algae that live within their tissues, a partnership essential for the reef's survival in nutrient-poor waters.
From Ancient Greek συμβίωσις (sumbíōsis, “living together”). By surface analysis, sym- + -biosis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Nounsymbiosis
- Adjectivesymbiotic
Last updated May 30, 2026