commensal (redirected from commensals)

com·men·sal  (k-mnsl)

adj.

Of, relating to, or characterized by a symbiotic relationship in which one species is benefited while the other is unaffected.

n.

An organism participating in a symbiotic relationship in which one species derives some benefit while the other is unaffected.

---

[Middle English, sharing a meal, from Medieval Latin commnslis : Latin com-, com- + Latin mnsa, table.]

---

com·mensal·ly adv.

---

commensal [kəˈmɛnsəl]

adj

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) (of two different species of plant or animal) living in close association, such that one species benefits without harming the other

2. Rare of or relating to eating together, esp at the same table commensal pleasures

n

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) a commensal plant or animal

2. Rare a companion at table

[from Medieval Latin commensālis, from Latin com- together + mensa table]

commensalism  n

commensality  [ˌkɒmɛnˈsælɪtɪ] n

commensally  adv

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	commensal - either of two different animal or plant species living in close association but not interdependent organism, being - a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently
Adj.	1.	commensal - living in a state of commensalism biological science, biology - the science that studies living organisms