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Commensal

//kəˈmɛnsəl// adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Of a form of symbiosis in which one organism derives a benefit while the other is unaffected. not-comparable

    "The fish (AMPHIPRION PERCULA) "intel-intel" of the blacks, is said to be commensal (literally, dining at the same table with its host), as distinguished from the parasite, which lives on its host."

  2. 2
    Eating at the same table. not-comparable
Adjective
  1. 1
    living in a state of commensalism wordnet
Noun
  1. 1
    An organism partaking in a commensal relationship.

    "The tree did indeed grow right out of the algae, as I had seen from the lifeboat. There was not the least trace of soil. Either there was soil deeper down, or this species of tree was a remarkable instance of a commensal or a parasite."

  2. 2
    either of two different animal or plant species living in close association but not interdependent wordnet
  3. 3
    One who eats at the same table.

    "Colville ordered it, and was sorry when the last of his commensals, slightly bowing him a good-night, left him alone to it."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English commensal, from Old French commensal, from Medieval Latin commensālis, from com- + mensa (“table”) + -ālis.

Etymology 2

From Middle English commensal, from Old French commensal, from Medieval Latin commensālis, from com- + mensa (“table”) + -ālis.

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