Parasite

Pronunciation: /ˈpærəˌsaɪt/

Definitions of parasite

noun a person who habitually relies on or exploits others and gives nothing in return

Example Sentences

A1 A parasite is an organism that lives in or on another organism and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.

A2 Some parasites can cause diseases in humans and animals.

B1 The doctor diagnosed the patient with a parasite infection after conducting tests.

B2 Parasites such as ticks and fleas can be found on household pets.

C1 The study of parasites and their impact on ecosystems is a complex field of research.

C2 Parasites have evolved various mechanisms to adapt and survive in different environments.

Examples of parasite in a Sentence

formal The parasite was identified as a type of roundworm that infects the intestines.

informal I heard that guy is a real parasite, always mooching off others.

slang Don't be a parasite and expect everyone to do things for you.

figurative Negative thoughts can be like a parasite, slowly draining your happiness.

Grammatical Forms of parasite

• past tense: parasitized
• plural: parasites
• comparative: more parasitic
• superlative: most parasitic
• present tense: parasites
• future tense: will parasite
• perfect tense: have parasited
• continuous tense: is parasiting
• singular: parasite
• positive degree: parasitic
• infinitive: to parasite
• gerund: parasiting
• participle: parasitized

Origin and Evolution of parasite

First Known Use: 1539 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'parasite' originated from the Greek word 'parasitos', which means 'one who eats at the table of another'. In ancient Greece, a parasite referred to a person who received free meals by flattery or sponging off others.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'parasite' evolved to refer to organisms that live on or in a host organism and benefit at the host's expense. The negative connotation of the word has persisted, emphasizing exploitation and dependence.