symbiosis
English edit
Etymology edit
From Ancient Greek συμβίωσις (sumbíōsis, “living together”). By surface analysis, sym- + -biosis.
Pronunciation edit
- (General American) IPA(key): /sɪmbaɪˈoʊsɪs/, /sɪmbiˈoʊsɪs/
Audio (US) (file) - Rhymes: -əʊsɪs
Noun edit
symbiosis (countable and uncountable, plural symbioses)
- A relationship of mutual benefit, especially among different species.
- (ecology) A close, prolonged association between two or more organisms of different species that normally benefits both members. An interspecies cooperation.
- (biology) A close, prolonged association between two or more organisms of different species, regardless of benefit to the members.
- The state of people of different types, races, cultures, communities, etc., living together.
- The occurrence of two different or opposing things in the same time and place.
- 1981, William Irwin Thompson, The Time Falling Bodies Take to Light: Mythology, Sexuality and the Origins of Culture, London: Rider/Hutchinson & Co., page 135:
- In this peculiar and deadly symbiosis the presence of warfare stimulates trade and the presence of trade stimulates warfare.
Derived terms edit
Related terms edit
Translations edit
relationship of mutual benefit
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