mutualism

[ myoo-choo-uh-liz-uh m ]

/ ˈmyu tʃu əˌlɪz əm /

noun

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

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.

Sociology. the force or principle of mutual aid.

Nearby words

mutual induction, mutual insurance, mutual insurance company, mutual resistance, mutual savings bank, mutualism, mutualist, mutuality, mutualize, mutually, mutually exclusive

Origin of mutualism

First recorded in 1860–65; mutual + -ism

Related forms

mu·tu·al·ist, nounmu·tu·al·is·tic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for mutualist

Notably, the gilt catfish, which would undoubtedly die if deprived of its mutualist, the Gyropeltes.
The Dawn of Reason|James Weir

British Dictionary definitions for mutualist

mutualism

/ (ˈmjuːtʃʊəˌlɪzəm) /

noun

another name for symbiosis

Derived Forms

mutualist, noun, adjectivemutualistic, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for mutualist (1 of 2)

mutualist

[ myōō′chōō-ə-lĭst ]

n.

symbion

Medicine definitions for mutualist (2 of 2)

mutualism

[ myōō′chōō-ə-lĭz′əm ]

n.

A symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit.

Related forms

mu′tu•al•is′tic adj.

Science definitions for mutualist

mutualism

[ myōō′chōō-ə-lĭz′əm ]

A relationship between two organisms in which each of the organisms benefits.♦ 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.♦ 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. Compare amensalism commensalism parasitism.