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Webster 1913 Edition
Commensal
Com-men′sal
,Noun.
[LL.
commensalis
; L. com-
+ mensa
table: cf. F. commensal
. Cf. Mensal.] 1.
One who eats at the same table.
[Obs.]
2.
(Zool.)
An animal, not truly parasitic, which lives in, with, or on, another, partaking usually of the same food. Both species may be benefited by the association.
Com-men′sal
,Adj.
Having the character of a commensal.
Webster 1828 Edition
Commensal
COMMENSAL
,Noun.
Definition 2024
commensal
commensal
English
Adjective
commensal (not comparable)
- (ecology) of a form of symbiosis in which one organism derives a benefit while the other is unaffected
Translations
Noun
commensal (plural commensals)
- (ecology) An organism partaking in a commensal relationship.
- 2001, Yann Martel, Life of Pi, Canongate (2003), ISBN 184195392X, page 260:
- 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.
- 2001, Yann Martel, Life of Pi, Canongate (2003), ISBN 184195392X, page 260:
- One who eats at the same table.
Translations
organism partaking in a commensal relationship
Related terms
- commensalism
- commensality
- endocommensal, endocommensalism
French
Etymology
From Medieval Latin commensalis.
Adjective
commensal m (feminine singular commensale, masculine plural commensaux, feminine plural commensales)
Noun
commensal m (plural commensaux)