noun
- an organism that lives in or on another organism and gets food or other benefits from it while usually harming the host
- a person who lives off others without giving anything useful in return
Usage: biology
Usage: disapproving
Examples
- Fleas are parasites that live on dogs and cats.
- The tapeworm is a parasite found in the human intestine.
- Many tropical diseases are caused by parasites.
- He’s just a parasite who never pays his share of the rent.
- She called him a parasite for always borrowing money but never paying it back.
- The scientist studied how parasites affect their host organisms.
- Some parasites can actually benefit their hosts in certain situations.