adverb
- in a way that depends on or exploits another organism or entity for survival or benefit without giving anything in return
Usage: biology; figurative use
Examples
- The vine grew parasitically on the oak tree, drawing nutrients from its host.
- The company operated parasitically, relying entirely on government subsidies.
- Certain bacteria live parasitically inside other cells.
- He lived parasitically off his wealthy relatives for years.
- The fungus spreads parasitically through the forest ecosystem.
- The organization functioned parasitically, taking resources without contributing value.