definitive host

noun

: the host in which the sexual reproduction of a parasite takes place compare intermediate host sense 1

Examples of definitive host in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Dogs are considered the definitive host for heartworms, which means that the parasite can grow to maturity and reproduce all within the host. —

Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2023 Domestic cats and other felines are, however, the definitive host for the parasite’s reproductive stage. —

Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2011 Ants infected by a roundworm called Myrmeconema neotropicumturns turn from black to red and strike suicidal berry poses that attract hungry birds, the worm’s definitive host. —

Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, 23 Sep. 2019 Dogs and other carnivores are the definitive hosts, and mosquitoes serve as vectors. —

Marci Robin, Allure, 22 June 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'definitive host.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of definitive host was in 1901

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near definitive host

definitive callus

definitive host

definitize

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Definitive host.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definitive%20host. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.

Copy Citation