parasite
parasite Lexical Profile
parasite Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An organism that lives in or on another organism of a different species (the host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.
"Ticks and tapeworms are common examples of a parasite that can harm domestic pets."
A person who habitually relies on or exploits the generosity, wealth, or hospitality of others without making any useful return.
"His family grew tired of supporting him after he refused to look for work and acted like a parasite."
• Rhymes for parasite
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed via Middle French and Latin from the Ancient Greek 'parasitos', meaning 'one who eats at the table of another,' formed from 'para-' (beside) and 'sitos' (wheat or food). In classical antiquity, it originally referred to temple assistants or flattering dinner guests before acquiring its modern biological meaning in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.