intermediate host

noun

1

: a host which is normally used by a parasite in the course of its life cycle and in which it may multiply asexually but not sexually compare definitive host

2

a

: reservoir sense 3a

b

: vector

Examples of intermediate host in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bird flu typically spreads directly from infected birds, from environments contaminated by the virus or through an intermediate host such as another animal. —Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 22 Jan. 2025

These pathogens can jump to humans directly or through intermediate hosts, often via ingestion of contaminated food or water. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025

The eggs then get ingested by an intermediate host, such as voles. —ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2025

Once there, it’s been known to release proteins that seem to affect the behavior of its intermediate host. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for intermediate host

• almost
• engrossed
• foremost
• hindmost
• impost
• inmost
• lamppost
• leftmost
• necrosed
• outpost
• pancoast
• rightmost

Kids Definition

intermediate host

noun

: a host that is normally used by a parasite in the course of its life cycle and that may actively carry it from one living thing to another

Medical Definition

intermediate host

noun

1

: a host which is normally used by a parasite in the course of its life cycle and in which it may multiply asexually but not sexually compare definitive host

2

a

: reservoir sense 2

b

: vector sense 2