Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
parasite
noun
/ˈper.ə.saɪt/
Definition
An organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food at the expense of its host.
Examples
- Malaria is caused by a single-celled parasite that infects red blood cells.
- The tick is a common parasite that feeds on the blood of animals.
- Some plants act as parasites, taking nutrients from their host plants.
Meaning
A parasite relies on another living being, typically called the host, to survive, often causing harm in the process.
Synonyms
- Leech
- Freeloader
- Blighter
- Sponger
