symbiont

[ sim-bee-ont, -bahy- ]

noun

, Biology.

1. an organism living in a state of symbiosis.

symbiont

/ ˈsɪmbɪˌɒnt /

noun

1. an organism living in a state of symbiosis

symbiont

/ sĭm′bē-ŏnt′,-bī- /

1. An organism in a symbiotic relationship. In cases in which a distinction is made between two interacting organisms, the symbiont is the smaller of the two and is always a beneficiary in the relationship, while the larger organism is the host and may or may not derive a benefit.
2. See also host

Derived Forms

• ˌsymbiˈontic, adjective
• ˌsymbiˈontically, adverb

Other Words From

• sym·bi·on·tic [sim-bee-, on, -tik, -bahy-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of symbiont¹

1885–90; < Greek symbiont- (stem of symbiṓn ), present participle of symbioûn “to live together”; symbiosis, onto-

Word History and Origins

Origin of symbiont¹

C19: from Greek sumbioun to live together, from bioun to live

Example Sentences

Aphids’ ability to tolerate warm temperatures, she has shown, depends on what strain of bacterial symbiont they harbor.

From Nautilus

The symbiont that’s helping Caribbean corals is, according to his analysis, an invasive species.

From Nautilus

The change may represent an adjustment not of bacteria, but of algal symbionts better suited to higher temperatures.

From Nautilus

The smaller partner has commonly been called a symbiont or symbiote by authors.

From Project Gutenberg