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Definition of "symbiosis" [‖Sym•bi•o•sis]

  • Biology A close, prolonged association between two or more different organisms of different species that may, but does not necessarily, benefit each member. (noun)
  • A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "symbiosis" in a sentence
  • "I often wonder what kind of science career she might have had, had she been born later -- did you know she was the first to identify lichen as two organisms living in symbiosis?"
  • "They may be said to live in symbiosis with their environment."
  • "Rather, they recognize the inherent conflicts that arise among the demands of the various stakeholders as well as the need to endeavor to attain "symbiosis" - that is, interdependence and mutual benefit-among the various stakeholder groups."