[sym.bi.o.sis] n, pl -bi.o.ses [NL, fr. G Symbiose, fr. Gk symbiosis state of living together, fr. symbioun to live together, fr. symbios living together, fr. sym- + bios life--more at quick] (1622) 1: the living together in more or less intimate association or close union of two dissimilar organisms
2: the intimate living together of two dissimilar organisms in a mutually beneficial relationship; esp: mutualism
3: a cooperative relationship (as between two persons or groups) "the ~ ... between the resident population and the immigrants --John Geipel" -- sym.bi.ot.ic adj -- sym.bi.ot.i.cal.ly adv