Main Entry: par·a·sit·ism

Pronunciation: \ˈper-ə-sə-ˌti-zəm, -ˌsī-, ˌpa-rə-\

Function: noun

Date: circa 1611

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