symbiotic

adjective

sym·​bi·​ot·​ic ˌsim-bē-ˈä-tik How to pronounce symbiotic (audio)
: relating to or marked by symbiosis:
a
: characterized by, living in, or being a close physical association (as in mutualism or commensalism) between two or more dissimilar organisms
The truffle is a … fungus that forms a symbiotic relationship with its host tree.Robb Walsh
Termites harbor diverse symbiotic gut microorganisms, the majority of which are as yet uncultivable and their interrelationships unclear.Yuichi Hongoh et al.
b
: characterized by or being a close, cooperative, or interdependent relationship
Today, art advisers are as diverse as the clients they help. They often work alone and form intimate, symbiotic relationships with the people they serve.Deborah Gimelson
Sigal's study … illustrates how reporters' constant need for news and how government officials' need for publicity and favorable coverage for their agencies combine into a symbiotic relationship between Washington reporters and officials.Charles R. Wright
symbiotically adverb
Some species of clams … live symbiotically with sulfur-loving bacteria: the bacteria, which live on the clams' gills, get sulfide from the clams, and the clams, in turn, feed on the bacteria. Natural History
The irony is that the Pentagon and the Soviet Defense Ministry prosper symbiotically. Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

Examples of symbiotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Ceanothus enriches the soil due to its symbiotic relationship with Frankia bacteria that live in its roots and transform atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be taken up by plants. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2024 The odd growth could be the result of a fungal infection, which is common in frogs, or evidence of a symbiotic relationship. Katie Hunt, CNN, 2 Mar. 2024 Lessons From Affiliate Marketing Align Success With Brand Performance Affiliate marketing's success is fueled by the symbiotic relationships between brands and their affiliates. Aurelie Sauthier, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The twins have a symbiotic relationship (building the same clinic, pursuing the same women), and their dependency challenges the distinctions between an empowering procedure and an exploitative one, an altruistic motive and a cash grab, a good twin and a bad twin. Amanda Hess, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Her words resonated deeply, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between personal wellness and community service. Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 29 Feb. 2024 Art and fashion have always had a symbiotic relationship in L.A. The Editors, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2024 Drake's visit to Roden Crater sheds light on the symbiotic relationship between artists and their patrons. The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 This approach not only revolutionized the way talent interacted with each other but also deepened their connection with the broader community, creating a symbiotic ecosystem that thrived on inclusivity and mutual growth. Kyle Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'symbiotic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

symbi(osis) + -otic entry 1, probably after German symbiotisch

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbiotic was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near symbiotic

Cite this Entry

“Symbiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbiotic. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

symbiotic

adjective
sym·​bi·​ot·​ic ˌsim-ˌbī-ˈät-ik How to pronounce symbiotic (audio) -bē- How to pronounce symbiotic (audio)
variants also symbiotical
: relating to, characterized by, living in, or resulting from a state of symbiosis
symbiotically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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