commensal

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English

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Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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Adjective

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commensal (not comparable)

  1. (ecology) Of a form of symbiosis in which one organism derives a benefit while the other is unaffected.
  2. Eating at the same table.

Derived terms

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Translations

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Noun

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English Wikipedia has an article on:
Wikipedia

commensal (plural commensals)

  1. (ecology) An organism partaking in a commensal relationship.
    • 2001, Yann Martel, Life of Pi, Canongate, published 2003, →ISBN, 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.
  2. One who eats at the same table.

Translations

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French

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Etymology

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Borrowed from Medieval Latin commēnsālis.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /kɔ.mɑ̃.sal/
  • Audio:(file)

Adjective

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commensal (feminine commensale, masculine plural commensaux, feminine plural commensales)

  1. commensal

Noun

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commensal m (plural commensaux)

  1. commensal
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Further reading

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