mutualism

Hummingbird hawkmoth drinking from Dianthus. pollinationPollination is a classic example of mutualism (sense 1).

Meaning

Noun

Any interaction between two species that benefits both; typically involves the exchange of substances or services.
An economic theory and anarchist school of thought that advocates a society where each person might possess a means of production, either individually or collectively, with trade representing equivalent amounts of labor in the free market.

Origin

mutual + -ism. Compare French mutualisme and Italian, Portuguese and Spanish mutualismo.

Modern English dictionary

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