symbiosis
sim-bee-OH-siss
/ˌsɪmbiˈoʊsɪs/
A close, prolonged physical association between two different biological species.
Technically includes mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism, though in everyday speech it often specifically implies mutual benefit.
The story behind the word. German mycologist Anton de Bary introduced 'Symbiose' in 1879 to define the living together of unlike organisms, studying lichens.
Word relationships
- interdependence: Interdependence describes mutual reliance, whereas symbiosis specifically requires living together physically.
- antagonism: Antagonism describes active opposition or harm between organisms.
Commonly confused with
- mutualism: Mutualism is a type of symbiosis where both organisms benefit; symbiosis can also include parasitic relationships.
Word family
- symbiotic (adjective): Involving or characterized by symbiosis.
- symbiotically (adverb): In a symbiotic manner.
Collocations
- mutualistic symbiosis
- close symbiosis
- symbiosis between
Example sentences
- "Lichen is a classic example of symbiosis, formed by the tight partnership of a fungus and an alga." Biology
Memory hook
SYM (together) + BIO (life) = living life together. Living together in physical unity.
When not to use
Avoid using it casually to mean 'simple teamwork' in formal scientific writing unless biological or structural unity is present.
Fun facts
- Mitochondria inside human cells were originally independent bacteria that entered a permanent symbiosis billions of years ago.
Explore more words
symbiotic, parasite, coexistence, interdependent, reciprocity
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.