parasite

[par-uh-sahyt] / ˈpær əˌsaɪt /

NOUN

person living off others

Synonyms

STRONG

bloodsucker bootlicker deadbeat flunky freeloader groupie hanger-on idler leech scrounger sponge stooge sucker sycophant taker

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Welsh Water said low-levels of cryptosporidium, a parasite which can cause stomach illnesses, were found during initial testing of the untreated water.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Meantime, a screwworm parasite has restricted imports of Mexican cattle.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Infected birds shed the parasite in their saliva and poo, contaminating food sources when they feed.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Every cell of the deadly malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum contains a tiny compartment packed with microscopic iron crystals.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

Then a parasite of the scale insect was imported from Australia, a small lady beetle called the vedalia.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Vocabulary lists containing parasite

Life Science: Ecosystems

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Ecology - Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems - Introductory

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Ecology - Introductory

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