— commensalism , n. — commensality /kom'en sal"i tee/ , n. — commensally , adv.
/keuh men"seuhl/ , adj.
1. eating together at the same table.
2. (of an animal, plant, fungus, etc.) living with, on, or in another, without injury to either.
3. Sociol. (of a person or group) not competing while residing in or occupying the same area as another individual or group having independent or different values or customs.
n.
4. a companion at table.
5. a commensal organism.
[ 1350-1400; ME commensalis. See COM-, MENSAL 2 ]