parasite
PA-ruh-syt
Parasite (noun) means an organism that lives on or in another species and benefits at that host's expense. Example: “Tapeworms are parasites that live in the intestines of their hosts.”
noun
1
An organism that lives on or in another species and benefits at that host's expense.
"Tapeworms are parasites that live in the intestines of their hosts."
"The vet checked the dog for fleas and other parasites."
2
A person who lives off others' effort or generosity without giving anything back.
"He accused his freeloading roommate of being a parasite."
How to use parasite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA creature — or, informally, a person — that survives by feeding off another without giving anything useful in return.
Common pairings
intestinal parasite
social parasite
host and parasite
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like parasite.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- parasites
- Third person singular
- parasites
- Past tense
- parasited
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Tapeworms are _____ that live in the intestines of their hosts.
Etymology
From Greek parasitos, originally "a person who eats at another's table" (para- "beside" + sitos "food") — a flattering guest who dined for free before the word took on its harsher biological and social meanings.
Related words
Rhymes for parasite
See all rhymes for parasite →Frequently asked questions
What does “parasite” mean?
The word “parasite” means an organism that lives on or in another species and benefits at that host's expense. In plain terms, a creature — or, informally, a person — that survives by feeding off another without giving anything useful in return.
How do you pronounce “parasite”?
“Parasite” is pronounced PA-ruh-syt (/ˈpæɹəˌsaɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “parasite” in a sentence?
Here is “parasite” used in a sentence: “Tapeworms are parasites that live in the intestines of their hosts.”
What is the opposite of “parasite”?
The opposite of “parasite” — its antonyms — are commensal, mutualist and sometimes symbiote.
What part of speech is “parasite”?
“Parasite” is a noun.
Where does the word “parasite” come from?
The word “parasite” comes from Greek. From Greek parasitos, originally "a person who eats at another's table" (para- "beside" + sitos "food") — a flattering guest who dined for free before the word took on its harsher biological and social meanings.
Is “parasite” a common word?
“Parasite” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “parasite” have?
“Parasite” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an organism that lives on or in another species and benefits at that host's expense.
