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Definition of parasitism
1 : the behavior of a parasite
2 : an intimate association between organisms of two or more kinds; especially : one in which a parasite obtains benefits from a host which it usually injures
3 : parasitosis
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Recent Examples of parasitism from the Web
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Some endangered or threatened species populations have been adversely affected by cowbird parasitism to the point where cowbird trapping programs have been implemented.
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The cowbird practice of brood parasitism can, and has, had serious implications for other native birds.
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After all, such complex parasitism is serious evolutionary trickery.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'parasitism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of parasitism
circa 1611
Other Ecology Terms
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of parasitism
1: an intimate association between organisms of two or more kinds; especially : one in which a parasite obtains benefits from a host which it usually injures
2: parasitosis
Learn More about parasitism
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parasitism
Seen and Heard
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