ectoparasite

[ ek-toh-par-uh-sahyt ]

noun

1. an external parasite ( endoparasite ).

ectoparasite

/ ˌɛktəʊˌpærəˈsɪtɪk; ˌɛktəʊˈpærəˌsaɪt /

noun

1. a parasite, such as the flea, that lives on the outer surface of its host Also calledexoparasite

ectoparasite

/ ĕk′tə-păr′ə-sīt′ /

1. See under parasite

Derived Forms

• ectoparasitic, adjective

Other Words From

• ec·to·par·a·sit·ic [ek-toh-par-, uh, -, sit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ectoparasite¹

First recorded in 1860–65; ecto- + parasite

Example Sentences

“Yes, we did work on ectoparasites and receive samples,” Silaghi says.

From Science Magazine

In all three surveys, participants had distinct reactions to the ectoparasite videos when compared with the pathogen videos.

From New York Times

Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and other diseases can be passed along by these ectoparasites, and different critters carry different pathogens.

From Washington Post

“There is a distinct possibility that these findings may be an artefact of using marks that simulate ectoparasites,” he said.

From The Guardian

“There were only four ectoparasites found, across all the nests,” Thoemmes said.

From The Guardian