ectoparasite

noun

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ec·to·par·a·site | \ ˌek-tō-ˈper-ə-ˌsīt

, -ˈpa-rə- \

Definition of ectoparasite

: a parasite that lives on the exterior of its host

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Examples of ectoparasite in a Sentence

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