parasitism

[ par-uh-sahy-tiz-uhm, -si- ]

noun

1. Biology. a relation between organisms in which one lives as a parasite on another.
2. a parasitic mode of life or existence.
3. Pathology. a diseased condition due to parasites.
4. (in some totalitarian countries)
   1. unemployment or refusal to work.
   2. employment in work considered nonessential by the state.

parasitism

/ ˈpærəsaɪˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. the relationship between a parasite and its host
2. the state of being infested with parasites
3. the state of being a parasite

parasitism

/ păr′ə-sĭ-tĭz′əm /

1. A relationship between two organisms in which one organism (the parasite) benefits and the other (the host) is harmed. Parasites derive nutrition from their host and may also gain other benefits such as shelter and a habitat in which to grow and reproduce.
2. See more at parasiteCompare amensalism

Other Words From

• non·para·sitism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of parasitism¹

First recorded in 1605–15; parasite + -ism

Example Sentences

Members of the vertebrate group including anglerfishes are unique in possessing a characteristic known as sexual parasitism, in which males temporarily attach or permanently fuse with females to mate.

From Science Daily

Pathosystems like this one are subsystems of ecosystems that specifically are defined by parasitism, where the parasite is any species that spends a significant part of its lifespan inhabiting and getting nutrients from a host.

From Science Daily

The researchers constructed an interaction network between Symbiodiniaceae and fungi in corals, which indicated that restricting fungal parasitism and strong interaction network resilience would promote heat acclimatization of corals.

From Science Daily

The Kobe University discovery blurs the line between mutualism and parasitism and sheds light on the evolution of complex plant-insect interactions.

From Science Daily

“When you add this significant stressor of parasitism to the equation, I think it's a perfect storm,” she says.

From National Geographic