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symphile

noun
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sym·​phile | \ ˈsimˌfīl \
plural -s

Definition of symphile

: an insect (such as any of various beetles) living as a guest in the nest of a social insect (such as an ant or termite) by which it is fed and guarded for its secretions which are used as food

— called also myrmecoxene, true guest

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History and Etymology for symphile

probably back-formation from symphily

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Cite this Entry

“Symphile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symphile. Accessed 7 Mar. 2021.

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