ectoparasite
noun
ec·to·par·a·site
ˌek-tō-ˈper-ə-ˌsīt 
-ˈpa-rə-
: a parasite that lives on the exterior of its host
Examples of ectoparasite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Since mites are ectoparasites, or external parasites (as opposed to internal parasites like tapeworms), potential hosts like flies can benefit from hypervigilance.
—
Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
In fact, these two mites are considered to be the most common ectoparasite of humans (d).
—Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2011
Paleoparasitological evidence expands the knowledge of the distribution of this ectoparasite in ancient populations.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 10 July 2017
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
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Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
In fact, these two mites are considered to be the most common ectoparasite of humans (d).
—Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2011
Paleoparasitological evidence expands the knowledge of the distribution of this ectoparasite in ancient populations.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 10 July 2017
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
Cite this Entry
“Ectoparasite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ectoparasite. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
ectoparasite
noun
ec·to·par·a·site
ˌek-tō-ˈpar-ə-ˌsīt
: a parasite that lives on the exterior of its host compare endoparasite
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