See Also: symphilism(dictionary)

symphilism (iou)



symphilism noun. E20.
[from SYM- + -PHIL + -ISM.]
Zoology. A cooperative symbiosis between ants or termites and certain other arthropods which they feed and tend, and which usu. yield a substance or render a service in return.
symphile noun an insect or other arthropod that lives with ants etc. in a relationship of symphilism E20.
sym'philic adjective pertaining to or designating a symphile E20.
symphilous adjective = symphilic E20.
symphily noun = SYMPHILISM L19.