parasite — an organism that lives in or on another organism and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an organism that lives in or on another organism and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpærəsaɪt/
Example Sentences
- My roommate is such a parasite - he eats my food, uses my Netflix, but never contributes anything!
- The doctor found several parasites in the patient's blood sample.
- That guy is like a parasite at parties - he shows up empty-handed but leaves with leftovers.
parasite
NOUN[/ˈpærəsaɪt/]
an organism that lives in or on another organism and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense
The veterinarian treated the dog for parasites.
The scientist studied how parasites depend on their hosts.
The parasite reduced the animal's appetite until the veterinarians united to save it.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek 'parasitos' meaning 'one who eats at another's table,' combining 'para' (beside) and 'sitos' (food/grain). The term originally referred to a person who ate at someone else's table in exchange for entertainment or flattery.
Breakdown
para- (beside) + -site (from Greek 'sitos' meaning food/grain) = parasite (organism living beside/on food source of another)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My roommate is such a parasite - he eats my food, uses my Netflix, but never contributes anything!”
“The doctor found several parasites in the patient's blood sample.”
“That guy is like a parasite at parties - he shows up empty-handed but leaves with leftovers.”
“Regular deworming helps prevent parasite infections in pets.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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