parasite
noun
an organism that lives on or in an organism of another species, known as the host, from the body of which it obtains nutriment.
parasites
-
pluralof parasite.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Handling wild game can pose food-safety risks: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that raw or undercooked wild game, including bear meat, can carry trichinella parasites, which cause trichinellosis.
From Salon ● Aug. 8, 2026
A lab tests the mosquitoes for parasites and viruses.
From Slate ● Aug. 4, 2026
Nervous consumers are also avoiding berries and herbs, which have indentations that can trap microscopic parasites, though they haven’t been implicated in the recent outbreak.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
Although they travel through different levels of the ocean, they often rise to the surface to rest, regulate their body temperature, or have parasites removed.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 23, 2026
Some of the egg parasites are exceedingly minute wasps, yet by their numbers and their great activity they hold down the abundance of many crop-destroying species.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
