protocooperation

noun

pro·​to·​cooperation
"+
: automatic or involuntary interaction by different kinds of organisms through which they mutually benefit (as by provision of debris habitats by trees and stirring of the forest floor by microfauna living in or on the debris)
protocooperative
"+
adjective

Word History

Etymology

prot- + cooperation

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near protocooperation

Cite this Entry

“Protocooperation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protocooperation. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!