I. ˈkəˈmen(t)səl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin commensalis, from Latin com- + Late Latin mensalis of the table, from Latin mensa table + -alis -al — more at mensa
1. : of or relating to those who habitually eat together
commensal pleasures
2. biology : living in a state of commensalism
• com·men·sal·ly -səlē adverb
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from commensal, adjective
1. : one who eats at the same table with others : messmate
2. biology : an organism living in a state of commensalism