commensal

/kəˈmɛnsəl/

commensal adjective: of a form of symbiosis in which one organism derives a benefit while the other is unaffected.

Adjective

commensal (not comparable)

Of a form of symbiosis in which one organism derives a benefit while the other is unaffected.
- 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.1911, E. J. Banfield, chapter XIII, in My Tropic Isle
- With this there is also associated the grazing or herding over wider or more restricted areas, belonging either collectively or discretely to the community, of sheep, cattle, goats, or swine, and almost always the domestic fowl is commensal with man in this life.1914, H. G. Wells, “The Great State”, in An Englishman Looks at the World […] , Cassell & Co
Eating at the same table.

commensal (plural commensals)

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.2001, Yann Martel, Life of Pi, Canongate, published 2003, →ISBN, page 260
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.1886, William Dean Howells, Indian Summer
- Around this tragic central figure are grouped the commensals of the Vauquer pension, Rastignac, the young law-student, with shallow purse and aristocratic connections; […].1910, Frederick Lawton, Balzac

அண்டி வாழ்வன, இயற்குடி, கூடி வாழ்தல், கூட்டுவாழ்வு உயிரிகள், ஓரட்டிலிலுண்ணி, கூடிவாழ்வன

ಸಹಭೋಜನದ, ಸಹಪಂಕ್ತಿಯ

plural	commensals

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

What does commensal mean?: Commensal means of a form of symbiosis in which one organism derives a benefit while the other is unaffected.
What is commensal in Hindi?: Commensal in Hindi is सहभोज (sahbhoj). See Commensal meaning in Hindi.
What part of speech is commensal?: Commensal can be an adjective or a noun.
How do you pronounce commensal?: Commensal is pronounced /kəˈmɛnsəl/.

Last updated: 2026-09-02

Cite this entry: “commensal.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/commensal. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.