Parasitology Terminology

noun a parasite that lives on the outside of its host

• An ectoparasite is an organism that lives on the outside of its host, such as a tick or louse.
• My dog got infested with ectoparasites after playing in the woods.
• I hate those creepy crawlies that act as ectoparasites on animals.
• Negative thoughts can be like ectoparasites, feeding on your happiness.

noun a stage in the life cycle of certain parasitic protozoans, such as trypanosomes, characterized by a long, slender, undulating membrane

• The amastigote stage is characterized by the parasite living and multiplying within host cells.
• I read that the amastigote is the stage where the parasite hides inside cells.
• Yo, did you know about that sneaky amastigote stage where the parasite chills inside cells?
• The amastigote stage can be seen as the parasite's cozy hideout within the host's cells.

verb to live on or in a host organism and feed on its tissues or body fluids

• Certain species of insects have evolved to parasitize other organisms for sustenance.
• I heard that some bugs can parasitize other bugs, it's pretty wild.
• Dude, did you know that some bugs straight up mooch off of other bugs? That's parasitizing at its finest.
• The toxic relationship between the two countries can be likened to one trying to parasitize the resources of the other.

noun a larval form of certain parasitic worms, typically found in the eggs of the host

• The acanthor is the first larval stage of a parasitic worm.
• I just learned about the acanthor in my biology class.
• That little acanthor is so weird-looking!
• The acanthor represents the beginning of a new phase in life.

noun a member of the Acaridae family of mites

adjective relating to or characteristic of mites or ticks

• The acaridean mites are a diverse group of arachnids that can be found in various habitats.
• I heard that acaridean mites are really tiny and hard to see with the naked eye.
• Those acaridean critters are so annoying, always causing skin irritations.
• Dealing with that project is like trying to catch acaridean mites - it's a never-ending task.

noun a taxonomic term used to describe certain organisms with acetabula or cup-shaped structures

adjective describing or pertaining to an organism with acetabula or cup-shaped structures

• The acetabulifera is a type of marine sponge that is commonly found in coral reefs.
• I learned about this cool acetabulifera sponge while watching a documentary about sea creatures.
• Check out this funky acetabulifera I found while snorkeling!
• Her mind was like an acetabulifera, constantly absorbing new information and experiences.

adjective a word that describes or gives more information about a noun, in this case 'adulticidal' describes something that is intended to kill adults

• The adulticidal treatment was effective in eliminating the adult mosquitoes in the area.
• Using adulticidal spray is the best way to get rid of those pesky mosquitoes.
• I heard that new bug spray is super adulticidal, it kills mosquitoes on contact!
• His sharp wit was like an adulticidal force, cutting down anyone who dared to challenge him.