ectoparasite
noun
ec·to·par·a·site
ˌek-tō-ˈper-ə-ˌsīt 
-ˈpa-rə-
: a parasite that lives on the exterior of its host
Examples of ectoparasite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In fact, these two mites are considered to be the most common ectoparasite of humans (d).
—
Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2011
Paleoparasitological evidence expands the knowledge of the distribution of this ectoparasite in ancient populations.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 10 July 2017
Studying the ancestors of living ectoparasites, which live on the outside of their hosts, can help scientists understand how these pests evolved over millions of years into the species that live among and on us today.
—Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian, 10 Dec. 2019
Mature sea lice are gray, lentil-sized crustaceans, also called ectoparasites, that look like small, fanged tadpoles.
—Amanda Little, WIRED, 23 May 2018
All the cats had irritated, painful ears consistent with a contagious ectoparasite, the document stated.
—Jennifer Stockinger, Twin Cities, 23 May 2017
Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2011
Paleoparasitological evidence expands the knowledge of the distribution of this ectoparasite in ancient populations.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 10 July 2017
Studying the ancestors of living ectoparasites, which live on the outside of their hosts, can help scientists understand how these pests evolved over millions of years into the species that live among and on us today.
—Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian, 10 Dec. 2019
Mature sea lice are gray, lentil-sized crustaceans, also called ectoparasites, that look like small, fanged tadpoles.
—Amanda Little, WIRED, 23 May 2018
All the cats had irritated, painful ears consistent with a contagious ectoparasite, the document stated.
—Jennifer Stockinger, Twin Cities, 23 May 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ectoparasite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
1861, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near ectoparasite
Cite this Entry
“Ectoparasite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ectoparasite. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Medical Definition
ectoparasite
noun
ec·to·par·a·site
ˌek-tō-ˈpar-ə-ˌsīt
: a parasite that lives on the exterior of its host compare endoparasite
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