Parasitic
/ˌpærəˈsɪtɪk/adjective
Refers to an organism that lives on or in another organism, causing it harm.
The malaria parasite is a parasitic organism that infects humans.
Often appears as...
- parasitic infection
- parasitic organism
Usage tips
Scientific
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Impact
Understand that 'parasitic' implies harm to the host organism in science.
Parasitic worms deplete their host's nutrients.
Pro Tip 2/3No Mutual Benefit
'Parasitic' differs from symbiotic, where both organisms benefit. Parasites only benefit themselves.
Unlike bees and flowers, parasitic relationships offer no advantages to the host.
Pro Tip 3/3Biology Context
Used mostly in biology, 'parasitic' can describe varied organisms, including bacteria and plants.
Parasitic plants, like mistletoes, extract water and nutrients from their hosts.
Compare with
exploitativeopportunisticpredatoryscavenger
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