commensal

commensal /com·men·sal/ (kom-men´sil)

1. living on or within another organism, and deriving benefit without harming or benefiting the host.

2. a parasite that causes no harm to the host.

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com·men·sal (k-mnsl)

adj.

Of, relating to, or characterized by a symbiotic relationship in which one species is benefited while the other is unaffected.

n.

An organism participating in a symbiotic relationship in which one species derives some benefit while the other is unaffected.

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commensal

[kəmen′səl]

Etymology: L, com, together, imensa, table

(two different species) living together in an arrangement that is not harmful to either and that may be beneficial to both. Some bacteria in the digestive tract of humans aid in the processing of food and produce B vitamins needed for normal health while causing no harm (normal flora). Compare parasite, synergist.

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commensal

1. living on or within another organism, and deriving benefit without harming or benefiting the host individual.

2. a parasitic organism that causes no harm to the host.