COMMENSAL

commensal

(adjective) living in a state of commensalism

commensal

(noun) either of two different animal or plant species living in close association but not interdependent

Source: WordNet® 3.1

---

Etymology

Adjective

commensal (not comparable)

(ecology) Of a form of symbiosis in which one organism derives a benefit while the other is unaffected.

Eating at the same table.

Noun

commensal (plural commensals)

(ecology) An organism partaking in a commensal relationship.

One who eats at the same table.

Source: Wiktionary

---

Com*men"sal, n. Etym: [LL. commensalis; L. com- + mensa table: cf. F. commensal. Cf. Mensal.]

1. One who eats at the same table. [Obs.]

2. (Zoöl.)

Definition: 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, a.

Definition: Having the character of a commensal.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

---