definitive host

noun

Definition of definitive host

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

Examples of definitive host in a Sentence

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Dogs and other carnivores are the definitive hosts, and mosquitoes serve as vectors. — Marci Robin, Allure, "Woman Discovers the Moving Bump Below Her Skin Is Actually a Parasitic Worm," 22 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'definitive host.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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definitive host

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The first known use of definitive host was in 1901

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definitive host

noun

Medical Definition of definitive host

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

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