noun
- an organism that is partially parasitic, obtaining some nutrients from a host while also producing some of its own food through photosynthesis
Usage: biology
Examples
- Mistletoe is a well-known semiparasite that grows on tree branches.
- The semiparasite draws water and minerals from its host tree.
- Unlike full parasites, a semiparasite can photosynthesize its own sugars.
- Many semiparasites have green leaves and can survive independently for short periods.
- The botanist studied how semiparasites affect their host plants’ growth.
- Some semiparasites can actually benefit their hosts by attracting pollinators.