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Symbiotic vs Saprophytic - What's the difference?

symbiotic | saprophytic |

As adjectives the difference between symbiotic and saprophytic

is that symbiotic is (biology) of, or relating to symbiosis; living together while saprophytic is relating to saprophytes or their life style.

As a noun symbiotic

is (astronomy) symbiotic star.

symbiotic

English

Adjective

(-)
  • (biology) Of, or relating to symbiosis; living together.
    • A lichen is a fungus with symbiotic algae among its cells.
  • *
  • Of a relationship with mutual benefit between two individuals or organisms.

    • Usage notes

    Although the biologic meaning of symbiotic strictly refers to "living together", regardless of the nature of the relationship, in casual speech the word typically implies a beneficial relationship.

    Synonyms

    * (with mutual benefit) mutualistic

    Derived terms

    * symbiotically

    Related terms

    * symbiont * symbiote

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (astronomy) symbiotic star

    • saprophytic

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Relating to saprophytes or their life style.