parasite

par-a-site · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.

  2. 2.

    A person who habitually relies on or exploits others without giving anything in return.

Forms

plural: parasites

Related words

Antonyms: benefactor, host
See also: host, organism, symbiosis
Synonyms: freeloader, leech, sponge

Etymology

From Greek parasitos (one who eats at another's table), from para (beside) + sitos (food).