Symbiotic: meaning, definitions and examples

Generally used to describe a close, often long-term interaction between two different biological species that benefit both parties. It can also describe metaphorical relationships where both parties gain advantages.

• The clownfish and the sea anemone have a symbiotic relationship; the fish gets protection while the anemone gets cleaned.
• Their business partnership is symbiotic, as each company strengthens the other.

Refers specifically to biological interactions where both species involved obtain benefits. It is often used in ecological and scientific contexts.

• Bees and flowering plants share a mutualistic relationship; bees get nectar while plants get pollinated.
• In mutualistic interactions, both organisms increase their chances of survival and reproduction.

Used when two entities rely on each other in such a way that each one needs the other to function properly or to achieve mutual goals. It emphasizes the mutual reliance rather than mutual benefit.

• The interdependent relationship between the heart and the brain is crucial for survival.
• In an effective team, each member is interdependent with others to achieve success.

A more technical term often used in biology and evolutionary studies to describe the process of two different species merging to form a new organism over evolutionary time. It’s less common in everyday language.

• Symbiogenetic events have played a key role in the evolution of complex eukaryotic cells.
• The symbiogenetic origin of mitochondria is a well-known example in evolutionary biology.