Symbioses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A form of interaction between two different organisms that benefits both parties while also potentially harming one or both
2. Describing relationships where two distinct species coexist closely, providing mutual advantages or facing disadvantages together
3. Characterizing associations between varied life forms that enhance their survival or reproduction even as they may impose costs on each other

Etymology: "Symbioses" is the plural of "symbiosis," a noun built from Ancient Greek "sumbíōsis," meaning "living together." The Greek word combines "sun," "together," with "bíōsis," a living or manner of life, from "bios," life. Notice the meaning in the modern sense is narrower than the Greek. "Living together" said nothing about whether the partners helped or harmed each other; the sense of mutual benefit and possible harm came later, as the term was applied to biological relationships. The plural follows the Greek pattern, with "-sis" becoming "-ses" in the plural, which is why the word looks different from most English plurals.

Synonyms: coexistences, interactions