parasitoid

noun

par·​a·​sit·​oid ˈper-ə-sə-ˌtȯid How to pronounce parasitoid (audio)
-ˌsī-,
ˈpa-rə-
: an insect and especially a wasp that completes its larval development within the body of another insect eventually killing it and is free-living as an adult
parasitoid adjective

Examples of parasitoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Tomato Companion Plants To Attract Beneficial Insects Planting flowers to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects is a great way to diversify the garden and enhance natural pest control by predators and parasitoids. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2024 Cilantro flowers are very small, perfect for attracting parasitoids and predators that feed on garden pests like Colorado potato beetle and tomato fruitworms. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2024 The system is further complicated by other players, including ladybug beetles, white halo fungus and a parasitoid fly that limits ant numbers. Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2024 Ants consume a lot of their honeydew and, in exchange, protect Hemiptera from enemies like parasitoids or predators. Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parasitoid 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'parasitoid.' 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

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parasitoid was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near parasitoid

Cite this Entry

“Parasitoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parasitoid. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

parasitoid

1 of 2 adjective
par·​a·​sit·​oid ˈpar-ə-sə-ˌtȯid How to pronounce parasitoid (audio) -ˌsīt-ˌȯid How to pronounce parasitoid (audio)
1
: resembling a parasite
2
: being a parasitoid

parasitoid

2 of 2 noun
: an insect and especially a wasp that completes its larval development within the body of another insect which it eventually kills and that is free-living as an adult
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!