C1nounnaturescience
US/ˌsɪm.baɪˈoʊ.sɪs/
UK/ˌsɪm.baɪˈəʊ.sɪs/
a close relationship between two different living things in which both usually benefit
In context
Bees and flowers live in symbiosis: the bees get food and the flowers get pollinated.
The symbiosis between the fish and the sea anemone protects both of them.
Our gut depends on a symbiosis with billions of helpful bacteria.
Words that go with symbiosis
verb + preposition
- live in symbiosisAnts and aphids live in symbiosis.
noun + preposition
- symbiosis betweenThere is a symbiosis between the fungus and the tree roots.
- a form of symbiosisCleaning fish are a form of symbiosis.
- example of symbiosisLichen is a classic example of symbiosis.
adjective + noun
- close symbiosisThe two species have a close symbiosis.
- mutual symbiosisMutual symbiosis helps both partners survive.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a symbiosis relationshipCorrect: a symbiotic relationship