commensal
Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word commensal. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word commensal, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say commensal in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word commensal you have here. The definition of the word commensal will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofcommensal, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Middle English commensal, from Old French commensal, from Medieval Latin commensālis, from com- + mensa (“table”) + -ālis.
Pronunciation
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.
Derived terms
Translations
of a form of symbiosis
|
Noun
commensal (plural commensals)
- (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.
- One who eats at the same table.
Translations
organism partaking in a commensal relationship
One who eats at the same table
|
Related terms
French
Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin commēnsālis.
Pronunciation
Adjective
commensal (feminine commensale, masculine plural commensaux, feminine plural commensales)
Noun
commensal m (plural commensaux)
Related terms
Further reading
- “commensal”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé , 2012.