What does symbiont mean?
A symbiont is an organism living in a close and sustained association with another organism, usually of a different species. In a symbiotic relationship, the symbiont may gain nutrients, shelter, protection, or assistance, while its host or partner may benefit, remain unaffected, or experience harm. Examples include bacteria living within insects, algae within corals, and microorganisms associated with the human body. The term is most common in biology, ecology, microbiology, and medicine, where it can identify either member of a symbiotic association without assuming that the relationship benefits both participants equally. In broader figurative use, a symbiont can be an individual, organization, or other entity whose survival or development depends on a mutually supportive partnership. Although “symbiote” can also denote an organism in such a relationship, “symbiont” is the more frequent modern term in many scientific contexts.
nounAn organism living in a close, sustained association with another organism, especially in a symbiotic relationship. The symbiont may benefit from the association, while the host may benefit, be unaffected, or be harmed.
- An organism that lives in close association with another organism, especially as a participant in a symbiotic relationship.
"The insect harbors a bacterial symbiont that helps it digest cellulose."
"Coral reefs depend on algal symbionts that provide energy through photosynthesis."
"Researchers identified the bacterium as a symbiont of the aphid."
“Symbionts” is the ordinary plural; “symbiota” is also used in biological contexts.
"Each aphid contains several symbionts inherited from its mother."
A symbiont literally means “one who lives together,” turning even a microscopic partnership into a story of shared life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does symbiont come from?
The word comes through New Latin from Greek symbiōn, meaning “one who lives together,” a form related to symbioun, “to live together.” It developed in biological terminology for an organism participating in a symbiotic association. Modern forms such as symbiotic, symbiosis, and symbiote share the same Greek root.
Related word forms
How symbiont is actually used
Primarily a technical term in biology, ecology, and medicine. It may also be used figuratively for an entity that depends on a close, mutually supportive relationship with another.
Easily confused with symbiont
A symbiote is another name for an organism participating in a symbiotic association, but it is less common and is sometimes used specifically for the smaller or dependent partner.