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definitions

mutualism

[myoo-choo-uh-liz-uh m]
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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

  1. mutual induction,
  2. mutual insurance,
  3. mutual insurance company,
  4. mutual resistance,
  5. mutual savings bank,
  6. mutualist,
  7. mutualistic,
  8. mutuality,
  9. mutualize,
  10. mutually

Origin of mutualism

First recorded in 1860–65; mutual + -ism
Related formsmu·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

noun

another name for symbiosis
Derived Formsmutualist, 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
Word Origin and History for mutualist

mutualism

n.

1849, in reference to the doctrine of French anarchist/socialist Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (1809-1865), from French mutuellisme. In biology, from 1876, from mutual + -ism.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for mutualist

mutualist

[myōō′chōō-ə-lĭst]

n.

symbion

mutualism

[myōō′chōō-ə-lĭz′əm]

n.

A symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit.
Related formsmu′tu•al•is′tic adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.