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parasitism

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noun par·a·sit·ism \ ˈper-ə-sə-ˌti-zəm , -ˌsī- , ˈpa-rə- \

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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First Known Use of parasitism

circa 1611

Other Ecology Terms

Malthusian, anthropogenic, biomass, carbon footprint, crepuscular, niche, sere, symbiosis, taiga, tundra

Medical Dictionary

parasitism

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noun par·a·sit·ism \ ˈpar-ə-sə-ˌtiz-əm , -ˌsīt-ˌiz- \

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

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parasitism

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