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synoecy

noun
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syn·​oe·​cy | \ sə̇ˈnēsē, ˈsiˌn- \
variants: or less commonly synoeky \ -​nēkē \
plural -es

Definition of synoecy

: synoecism:
a : commensalism in which the guests are indifferently tolerated by their hosts — compare symphily, synechthry
b : association between two species benefiting the one without harm to the other
c : monoecism

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History and Etymology for synoecy

Greek synoikia body of people living together, community, from synoikos dwelling together + -ia -y

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Cite this Entry

“Synoecy.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synoecy. Accessed 22 January 2020.

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