Main Entry: sym·bi·o·sis

Pronunciation: \ˌsim-bē-ˈō-səs, -ˌbī-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural sym·bi·o·ses \-ˌsēz\

Etymology: New Latin, from German Symbiose, from Greek symbiōsis state of living together, from symbioun to live together, from symbios living together, from syn- + bios life — more at quick

Date: 1622

1 : the living together in more or less intimate association or close union of two dissimilar organisms (as in parasitism or commensalism); especially : mutualism
2 : a cooperative relationship (as between two persons or groups) <the symbiosis…between the resident population and the immigrants — John Geipel>

— sym·bi·ot·ic \-ˈä-tik\ adjective

— sym·bi·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb