definitive host

noun

, Zoology.

1. the host in or on which a parasite spends the sexual stage of its life cycle.

definitive host

/ dĭ-fĭn′ĭ-tĭv /

1. See under host

Word History and Origins

Origin of definitive host¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The mosquito is therefore the definitive host rather than the intermediate, as usually stated.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not likely that any intermediate host is necessary for the growth of the larv, prior to their access to the definitive host.

From Project Gutenberg