phylacobiosis

noun

phyl·​a·​co·​bi·​o·​sis
ˌfiləkōˌbīˈōsə̇s
plural phylacobioses
: a mixobiosis in which ants of a particular species live in a termite nest and appear to replace functionally the nasute or soldier caste of the termite
phylacobiotic
¦⸗⸗⸗ˌbī¦ätik -bē¦-
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from phylaco- (from Greek phylak-, phylax guard) + -biosis

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Dictionary Entries Near phylacobiosis

phyl-

phylacobiosis

phylacteried

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Cite this Entry

“Phylacobiosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phylacobiosis. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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