symbiotic

adjective

sym·​bi·​ot·​ic ˌsim-bē-ˈä-tik 

: 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

ˌsim-bē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē 

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

The innovative platform integrates property managers’ needs with everyday renters’ aspirations, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits all parties. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024

Somehow, this nitrogenase gene found its way into two bacterial groups — and both went on to form symbiotic relationships, with very different host organisms, crucial for providing nitrogen to food webs. —Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2024

Remember that the goal is to create a symbiotic relationship between human intelligence and generative AI, and recognize that your team's insights, emotional intelligence and ability to navigate nuanced situations remain irreplaceable. 3. —Adi Vaxman, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024

From salamanders and salmon to bears and mountain lions, his photos illustrate not only the beauty of the forests and the creatures that call it home but also the symbiotic relationships that are vital to the planet’s welfare. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

symbiotic

adjective

sym·​bi·​ot·​ic ˌsim-ˌbī-ˈät-ik  -bē- 

variants also symbiotical

-i-kəl 

: relating to, characterized by, living in, or resulting from a state of symbiosis

symbiotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb