Meaning & use
symbiosis
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Meanings
noununcountablebiology
A close, lasting living arrangement between two different species, often helping at least one of them.
Grammar: Usually uncountable when talking about the general idea; use 'a symbiosis' only for one specific case.
Patterns
- symbiosis between A and B
- a symbiosis with something
The symbiosis between coral and algae keeps reefs healthy.
Biologists study symbiosis to understand how species depend on one another.
In this symbiosis, the fungus supplies minerals and the plant supplies sugars.
nouncountable or uncountablefigurative
A close relationship between people, groups, or organizations that benefits both sides.
Grammar: Used figuratively in business or social writing; often followed by 'between'.
Patterns
- a symbiosis between A and B
- a symbiosis of A and B
The two companies developed a symbiosis: one made the software, the other sold it.
There is a strange symbiosis between the city's artists and its tech workers.
Their political partnership was a symbiosis of shared ambition and mutual need.
Word forms
| plural | symbioses |
|---|
Common combinations
- symbiosis between species
- Symbiosis between species can take many forms.
- a form of symbiosis
- Lichens are a form of symbiosis between fungi and algae.
- enter into symbiosis
- Certain ants enter into symbiosis with acacia trees.
- mutualistic symbiosis
- In mutualistic symbiosis, both partners gain a benefit.
- symbiosis with bacteria
- Many deep-sea creatures live in symbiosis with bacteria.
Synonyms and how they differ
- mutualism
- A more technical term for a relationship that benefits both species; 'symbiosis' is broader and can include cases where only one benefits.
- interdependence
- Focuses on needing each other, not on living together; use it for economic or social ties rather than biological ones.
Opposites
Word family
- symbiotic adjective
- Describing a relationship of close living together, as in 'a symbiotic relationship'.
- symbiotically adverb
- In a way that involves close mutual dependence, as in 'they live symbiotically'.
- symbiont noun
- One of the organisms in a symbiotic partnership.
Commonly confused: symbiosis or symmetry?
symbiosis vs symmetry
Symmetry means balanced shape or matching parts; symbiosis is about two organisms living closely together.
Practice
The clownfish and the sea anemone live in ______: the fish gets shelter, and the anemone gets cleaned.
Choose one answer.
'Symbiosis' fits because the two species live closely and both benefit. 'Symmetry' refers to balanced form, 'symphony' is a piece of music, and 'synopsis' is a summary.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “symbiosis”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.