1-Stop Dictionary Reference

Commensal

ahd-5

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

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

The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

Eating together at the same table.

In zoology and botany, living with as a tenant or coinhabitant, but not as a parasite; inquiline. See II., 2.

noun. One who eats at the same table with another or others.

noun. In zoology and botany, one of two animals or plants which live together, but neither at the expense of the other; an animal or a plant as a tenant, but not a true parasite, of another; an inquiline.

the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English

adjective. Having the character of a commensal.

noun. One who eats at the same table.

noun. 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.

Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

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

noun. An organism partaking in a commensal relationship.

WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

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

adjective. living in a state of commensalism

Word Usage

"These beneficial bugs are called commensal bacteria."

Hypernym

Words that are more generic or abstract

being organism

Same Context

Words that are found in similar contexts

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Synonym

Words with the same meaning

cannibal cannibalistic carnivorous coacting coactive