commensal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun either of two different animal or plant species living in close association but not interdependent
  2. adjective living in a state of commensalism

WordNet

Com*men"sal noun
Etymology
LL. commensalis; L. com- + mensa table: cf. F. commensal. Cf. Mensal.
Definitions
  1. One who eats at the same table. Obs.
  2. (Zoöl.) 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 adjective
Definitions
  1. Having the character of a commensal.

Webster 1913