Parasite Definition
părə-sīt
parasites
noun
parasites
A person who lives at the expense of another or others without making any useful contribution or return; hanger-on.
Webster's New World
A plant or animal that lives on or in an organism of another species from which it derives sustenance or protection without benefit to, and usually with harmful effects on, the host.
Webster's New World
A person, as in ancient Greece, who flattered and amused the host in return for free meals.
Webster's New World
One who lives off and flatters the rich; a sycophant.
American Heritage
(literary, poetic) A climbing plant which is supported by a wall, trellis etc. [from 19th c.]
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
Other Word Forms of Parasite
Noun
Singular:
parasite
Plural:
parasitesOrigin of Parasite
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From Latin parasitus, from Ancient Greek παράσιτος (parasitos, “person who eats at the table of another"), from noun use of adjective meaning "feeding beside", from παρά (para, “beside") + σῖτος (sitos, “food").
From Wiktionary
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Latin parasītus a person who lives by amusing the rich from Greek parasītos person who eats at someone else's table, parasite para- beside para–1 sītos grain, food
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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