Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
parasito
Noun
/ˈpar.əˌsaɪ.təʊ/
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Definition
A parasite; an organism that lives on or in a host and benefits at the host’s expense.
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Examples
- The mosquito is a common example of a parasito that can transmit diseases.
- Some plants are considered parasito because they extract water and nutrients from their host plants.
- Tapeworms are well-known parasitos that live in the intestines of animals.
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Meaning
In biological terms, a ‘parasito’ refers to an organism that derives its nutrients from another living entity, the host, which is harmed in the process.
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Synonyms
- parasite
- freeloading organism
- dependent organism