alternate host

noun

, Ecology.

1. a host, other than the usual or primary host, on which a parasitic organism can sustain itself.

alternate host

1. One of two species of host on which some pathogens, such as certain rust fungi, must develop to complete their life cycles.
2. A species of host other than the principal host on which a parasite can survive.

Example Sentences

In the case of oxen the alternate host of the parasite is a special tick (Smith and Kilborne).

From Project Gutenberg