parasitism

par·a·sit·ism

noun \ˈper-ə-sə-ˌti-zəm, -ˌsī-, ˌpa-rə-\

Definition of PARASITISM

1

: the behavior of a parasite

2

: an intimate association between organisms of two or more kinds; especially : one in which a parasite obtains benefits from a host which it usually injures

3

: parasitosis

First Known Use of PARASITISM

circa 1611

Other Ecology Terms

Malthusian, anthropogenic, biomass, carbon footprint, crepuscular, niche, sere, symbiosis, taiga, tundra

par·a·sit·ism

noun \ˈpar-ə-sə-ˌtiz-əm, -ˌsīt-ˌiz-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of PARASITISM

1

: an intimate association between organisms of two or more kinds; especially : one in which a parasite obtains benefits from a host which it usually injures

2

: parasitosis

parasitism

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Relationship between two species in which one benefits at the expense of the other. Ectoparasites live on the body surface of the host; endoparasites live in their hosts' organs, tissues, or cells and often rely on a third organism (the carrier, or vector) to transmit them to the host. The cuckoo and cowbird practice brood parasitism, laying eggs in other birds' nests to be raised by the foster parents. In social parasitism, one type of animal parasitizes animals of the same type (e.g., one ant species on different ant species). Hyperparasitism occurs when parasites are parasitized (e.g., protozoans hyperparasitize a flea on a dog). See also predation.