- pronunciation:
- pae
r
saIt
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun), Word History, Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
an animal or plant that lives on or in another organism and draws sustenance from it.
Several diseases are caused by parasites that can live in the human intestine.We were advised not to drink the water because of the presence of a parasite. |
| definition 2: |
a person who receives benefits or hospitality from others but does not give anything in return.
My brother-in-law is an unemployed parasite who lives with us and never bothers to look for a job.- synonyms:
- drone, leech
- similar words:
- barnacle, bloodsucker, cadger, hanger-on, mooch, scrounge, sponge
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| related words: |
appendage, mendicant, mold |
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Parasite comes from an ancient Greek word for someone who earned free meals at the table of another by flattering the host during dinner.