parasite (Meaning)
parasite (n)
an animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant); it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host
a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage
parasite (n.)
One who frequents the tables of the rich, or who lives at another's expense, and earns his welcome by flattery; a hanger-on; a toady; a sycophant.
A plant obtaining nourishment immediately from other plants to which it attaches itself, and whose juices it absorbs; -- sometimes, but erroneously, called epiphyte.
A plant living on or within an animal, and supported at its expense, as many species of fungi of the genus Torrubia.
An animal which lives during the whole or part of its existence on or in the body of some other animal, feeding upon its food, blood, or tissues, as lice, tapeworms, etc.
An animal which steals the food of another, as the parasitic jager.
An animal which habitually uses the nest of another, as the cowbird and the European cuckoo.
Synonyms & Antonyms of parasite
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parasite Sentence Examples
- The barnacles attached to the whale's skin acted as unwelcome parasites.
- The tapeworm nestled comfortably in its host's intestine, a silent parasite sapping nutrients.
- The mistletoe perched high on the tree branches, a parasitic plant drawing sustenance from its host.
- The bacteria multiplied rapidly within the host's body, causing havoc as a deadly parasite.
- The fungus covered the leaves of the tomatoes, a parasitic growth that threatened to ruin the crop.
- The virus invaded the cells of the immune system, becoming a stealthy parasite that evaded detection.
- The leech attached itself to the frog's leg, a parasitic creature feeding on the blood of its host.
- The cuckoo laid its eggs in the nests of other birds, a parasitic behavior that ensured the survival of its young.
- The parasite attacked the fish's gills, slowly suffocating its host.
- The parasitic relationship between the two organisms had a detrimental impact on the host's health.
FAQs About the word parasite
an animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant); it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host, a follower
hanger-on, dependent, moocher,leech, henchman, sponge, sponger, bloodsucker, freeloader, miser
supporter, benefactor, benefactor, supporter,philanthropist, philanthropist,
The barnacles attached to the whale's skin acted as unwelcome parasites.
The tapeworm nestled comfortably in its host's intestine, a silent parasite sapping nutrients.
The mistletoe perched high on the tree branches, a parasitic plant drawing sustenance from its host.
The bacteria multiplied rapidly within the host's body, causing havoc as a deadly parasite.
