parasitism

noun

par·​a·​sit·​ism ˈper-ə-sə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce parasitism (audio)
-ˌsī-,
ˈpa-rə-
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

Examples of parasitism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Our understanding of them has barely scratched the surface—there’s more to learn about the specifics of its reproductive cycle, for instance—and their existence will continue to challenge our understanding of symbiosis, parasitism and the delicate interplay between different species. Scott Travers, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024 That parasitism has cropped up so many times in unrelated species — and thus evolved again and again — speaks to its success as an adaptive strategy. Kate Golembiewski, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024 Whether that reduces incidence of blowfly parasitism in sheep, however, remains to be seen, Ward-Fear notes. Bygennaro Tomma, science.org, 11 July 2024 Taking its cue from article 1240 of France’s Civil Code, parasitism is defined as one party following in the footsteps of another party’s efforts and know-how to benefit from their enterprise without seeking permission or making payment. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for parasitism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'parasitism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of parasitism was circa 1611

Dictionary Entries Near parasitism

Cite this Entry

“Parasitism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parasitism. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

parasitism

noun
par·​a·​sit·​ism ˈpar-ə-sə-ˌtiz-əm How to pronounce parasitism (audio)
-ˌsīt-ˌiz-
: a close association between living things of two or more kinds of which one is a parasite obtaining benefits from the other which is a host and is usually harmed in some way

Medical Definition

parasitism

noun
par·​a·​sit·​ism ˈpar-ə-sə-ˌtiz-əm How to pronounce parasitism (audio) -ˌsīt-ˌiz- How to pronounce parasitism (audio)
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

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