commensal
1
9.9
- adjective
- /kəˈmɛnsl/
- Specialized
:
comensal
- Escherichia coli is usually a commensal bacterium that benefits the human gut without causing harm.
- commensal bacteria
- commensal organisms
Examples
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There are about 70 known tribes of commensal—or beneficial—bacteria that could be living on your body right now.
Blog text (23) -
Maybe we can have a commensal relationship.
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Both genera contain commensal species that are part of the healthy human microflora.
Academic text (2018) -
Escherichia coli is usually a commensal bacterium of humans and animals.
Academic text (2012) -
Although it is a pathogen in humans, C. jejuni is a commensal microbe in chickens.
Academic text (2000) -
Many gut bacteria serve as commensal organisms, aiding in digestion while not affecting the host negatively.
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In a commensal relationship, one species gains benefits from the other, but neither is harmed in the process.
Synonyms
18
5.9
Living closely together so one or both benefit
One organism benefits while the other is not affected
How Symbiotic
Surface Forms
Etymology
Commensal comes from Latin parts com- ('together') and mensa ('table'), so it originally meant 'sharing a table'. In nature, a commensal describes an animal or plant that lives with another and benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed, so the 'sharing a table' picture explains the modern meaning.