Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

parasito

Noun
/ˈpar.əˌsaɪ.təʊ/
Definition
A parasite; an organism that lives on or in a host and benefits at the host’s expense.
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.
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.
Synonyms
  • parasite
  • freeloading organism
  • dependent organism