parasitism

[ par-uh-sahy-tiz-uh m, -si- ]
/ ˈpær ə saɪˌtɪz əm, -sɪ- /

noun

Biology. a relation between organisms in which one lives as a parasite on another.
a parasitic mode of life or existence.
Pathology. a diseased condition due to parasites.
(in some totalitarian countries)
  1. unemployment or refusal to work.
  2. employment in work considered nonessential by the state.

Origin of parasitism

First recorded in 1605–15; parasite + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM parasitism

non·par·a·sit·ism, noun

Words nearby parasitism

parasitic cyst, parasitic male, parasitic melanoderma, parasitic oscillation, parasiticide, parasitism, parasitize, parasitogenic, parasitoid, parasitoidism, parasitology

Example sentences from the Web for parasitism

British Dictionary definitions for parasitism

parasitism
/ (ˈpærəsaɪˌtɪzəm) /

noun

the relationship between a parasite and its host
the state of being infested with parasites
the state of being a parasite

Medical definitions for parasitism

parasitism
[ păr′ə-sĭ-tĭz′əm, -sī- ]

n.

A symbiotic relationship in which one species, the parasite, benefits at the expense of the other, the host.

Scientific definitions for parasitism

parasitism
[ păr′ə-sĭ-tĭz′əm ]

A relationship between two organisms in which one organism (the parasite) benefits and the other (the host) is harmed. Parasites derive nutrition from their host and may also gain other benefits such as shelter and a habitat in which to grow and reproduce. See more at parasite. Compare amensalism commensalism mutualism.