mutualism

American  

[myoo-choo-uh-liz-uhm] / ˈmju tʃu əˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. a relationship between two species of organisms in which both benefit from the association.

2. the doctrine that the interdependence of social elements is the primary determinant of individual and social relations, especially the theory that common ownership of property, or collective effort and control governed by sentiments of brotherhood and mutual aid, will be beneficial to both the individual and society.

3. Sociology. the force or principle of mutual aid.

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mutualism British  

/ ˈmjuːtʃʊəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. another name for symbiosis

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mutualism Scientific  

/ myo̅o̅′cho̅o̅-ə-lĭz′əm /

1. A relationship between two organisms in which each of the organisms benefits.

2. ◆ In obligate mutualism the interacting species are interdependent and cannot survive without each other. The fungi and algae that combine to form lichen are obligate mutualists.

3. ◆ In the more common facultative mutualism the interacting species derive benefit without being fully dependent. Many plants produce fruits that are eaten by birds, and the birds later excrete the seeds of these fruits far from the parent plant. While both species benefit, the birds have other food available to them, and the plants can disperse their seeds when the uneaten fruit drops.

4. Compare amensalism commensalism parasitism

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Other Word Forms

• mutualist
  noun
• mutualistic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of mutualism

First recorded in 1860–65; mutual + -ism

Compare meaning

How does mutualism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• mutualism vs. commensalism

Explanation

When two parties depend on one another — whether in a biological, social, or financial relationship — and both benefit from the alliance, that's mutualism. If you're a student who helps others and in return earns credits for a class, that's one example. The Latin mūtuus, meaning "reciprocal," gave the basis for the 15th Century Middle French word mutuel. In 1849, French Socialist Pierre-Joseph Proudhon coined the word mutualism to describe his financial theories. The new word was later applied to biological systems of interdependence. Sometimes mutualism is confused with symbiosis, but they are not the same, in part because in mutualism both parties gain from the relationship, while only one side has to benefit to be classified as symbiosis.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mutualism

Biologists refer to this type of partnership as "nursery pollination mutualism."

From Science Daily ● Mar. 12, 2026

Thus, the interaction probably still comes at a cost for the insects, but there is also an aspect of mutualism the like of which has not been found in other members of the Arisaema genus.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 19, 2024

Historically, mutualism may have been more widespread when people depended on foraging, hunting, and fishing for their food.

From National Geographic ● Jan. 17, 2024

We domesticated each other, through coevolution and mutualism, a symbiosis that is beneficial to both organisms involved.

From Salon ● Sep. 11, 2022

The new system that is to succeed the old is developing within the old and its outline is clearly revealed in its spirit of mutualism and its co-operative manifestations.

From Labor and Freedom by Debs, Eugene V.