Agency Dictionary
symbiosis
nounPronunciation: /ˌsɪm.baɪˈoʊ.sɪs/
In Portuguese: simbiose
Science & HealthWhat does “symbiosis” mean?
An interaction or close living relationship between two different organisms or systems, often mutually beneficial.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Greek symbiōsis, "a living together", from symbioun, "to live together", composed of syn, "together", and bios, "life". The German botanist Anton de Bary is usually credited with establishing the word in biology in the late nineteenth century, to name the close association between organisms of different species. From biology it spread to figurative use for any relationship of mutual dependence.
Usage note
In biology, symbiosis covers mutualism, commensalism and parasitism. In everyday language it usually implies mutual benefit.
Synonyms
- mutualism
- interdependence
Word family
- symbiotic
- symbiont
- symbiotically
Usage examples
As the digital world further entangles itself with our reality, all of this will become quite common but we are right in the middle of that transition and this symbiosis does not feel healthy right now.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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