symbiont Definition
- 1an organism that lives in a symbiotic relationship with another organism, often providing benefits to its host
- 2a smaller partner in a symbiotic relationship
Using symbiont: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "symbiont" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The clownfish and the sea anemone are symbionts.
Example
The bacteria in our gut are symbionts that help us digest food.
Example
The lichen is a symbiont of algae and fungi.
symbiont Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with symbiont
a type of symbiont that benefits both organisms involved in the relationship
Example
The bee and the flower have a mutualistic symbiont relationship.
Example
The tapeworm is a parasitic symbiont that lives in the intestines of its host.
a type of symbiont that can live independently of its host organism
Example
The bacteria in the human gut are facultative symbionts.
Origins of symbiont
from Greek 'sumbioun', meaning 'live together'
Summary: symbiont in Brief
'Symbiont' [ˈsɪmbiɒnt] refers to an organism that lives in a mutually beneficial or parasitic relationship with another organism. It can also refer to the smaller partner in such a relationship. Examples include the clownfish and the sea anemone, and the bacteria in our gut. Types of symbionts include mutualistic, parasitic, and facultative. 'Symbiont' is a formal term that can be replaced with 'partner' or 'associate.'