Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

symbiont

noun

/ˈsɪm.bi.ɒnt/

Definition

An organism that lives in a close relationship with another organism of a different species.

Examples

The clownfish is a well-known symbiont of the sea anemone, providing protection in return for shelter.
In nature, many fungi function as symbionts that help plants absorb nutrients from the soil.

Meaning

The term ‘symbiont’ is used to describe an individual that participates in a symbiotic relationship, which is a mutually beneficial interaction between two different organisms.