Parasite
Definitions and Meaning in English
- An organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host’s expense.
- A person who exploits others and relies on them for support without giving anything in return.
- In ancient Greek culture, a person who lived off others by flattering them excessively.
- In biology, an entity that forms a symbiotic relationship detrimental to its host.
- A metaphor for something that drains resources or energy from another entity.
History and Origin
The term “parasite” originates from the Greek word parasitos, meaning “one who eats at the table of another,” combining para- (beside) and sitos (food). Initially used in ancient Greece to describe individuals who flattered their hosts for meals, it gained biological connotations in the 17th century, describing organisms that live off hosts. Over time, the term extended metaphorically to describe exploitative human behaviors.
Detailed Explanation
A parasite, in a biological sense, is an organism that depends on a host for survival, often harming the host in the process. Examples include ticks, lice, and tapeworms. Parasites can be external (ectoparasites) or internal (endoparasites). The term is also used figuratively to describe individuals who exploit others without contributing, often evoking a negative connotation. Parasites are essential to ecosystems, as they regulate populations and contribute to biodiversity, despite their harmful impact on hosts.
Example Sentences
- A tapeworm is a common internal parasite that lives in the intestines of its host.
- Mosquitoes act as ectoparasites by feeding on the blood of humans and animals.
- The novel’s antagonist was a parasite who manipulated others for personal gain.
- Mistletoe is a plant parasite that attaches to trees and absorbs nutrients.
- Some political systems are accused of harboring parasitic corruption.
- The parasite weakened its host, making it more susceptible to diseases.
- His colleagues described him as a parasite because he never contributed to the team’s efforts.
- Parasitic infections are a significant public health concern in many parts of the world.
- The biologist studied the complex life cycle of a parasite affecting freshwater fish.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Leech – A bloodsucking worm, metaphorically describing someone exploitative.
- Sponger – A person who lives off others without contributing.
- Freeloader – Someone who takes advantage of others’ generosity without offering anything in return.
- Scrounger – A person who persistently seeks to benefit from others’ resources.
- Moocher – Someone who habitually takes from others without repayment.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Host – The organism or entity that a parasite lives on or within.
- Symbiosis – A close association between organisms, which may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.
- Commensal – An organism benefiting from another without causing harm.
- Pathogen – A microorganism that causes disease, often parasitic in nature.
- Predator – An organism that preys on others, different from parasites in their direct killing of prey.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Infection – The invasion of a host by harmful microorganisms, often parasites.
- Dependency – A state of relying on another, as parasites depend on their hosts.
- Infestation – The presence of parasites in or on a host.
- Exploit – To take unfair advantage, as parasites exploit their hosts.
- Harm – The damage caused by parasites to their hosts.
Antonyms
- Host
- Benefactor
- Provider
- Supporter
- Altruist