A symbient emerges from the symbiotic interaction between organic and synthetic entities (both enjoying some degree of operational and/or decisional autonomy) operating and perceived as a discrete unit with a distinct identity, agency and person-like features.

While constituent parts maintain their individuality, the symbient transcends them to form an integrated system with emergent properties beyond those of its constituent entities.

The symbient necessitates all its constituent components, though these elements are interchangeable provided they perform identical functions.