interdependence

/ɪnɾərdɪˈpɛndɪns/

/ɪntədɪˈpɛndɪns/

Other forms: interdependences

Interdependence is mutual dependence between things. If you study biology, you’ll discover that there is a great deal of interdependence between plants and animals.

Inter- means "between," so interdependence is dependence between things. We often use interdependence to describe complex systems. Marriage creates a state of interdependence between spouses. If your dog provides you with love and happiness, and you provide your dog with food and walks (and love and happiness), then your relationship with your dog is one of interdependence.

Definitions of interdependence

1. noun

   a reciprocal relation between interdependent entities (objects or individuals or groups)
   synonyms: interdependency, mutuality

   types:

   commensalism

   the relation between two different kinds of organisms when one receives benefits from the other without damaging it

   parasitism

   the relation between two different kinds of organisms in which one receives benefits from the other by causing damage to it (usually not fatal damage)

   mutualism, symbiosis

   the relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other

   sharing

   having in common

   sharing

   using or enjoying something jointly with others

   trophobiosis

   a symbiotic relation in which one organism protects the other in return for some kind of food product

   time sharing

   (computer science) the use of a central computer by many users simultaneously

   type of:

   reciprocality, reciprocity

   a relation of mutual dependence or action or influence