ectoparasite

American  

[ek-toh-par-uh-sahyt] / ˌɛk toʊˈpær əˌsaɪt /

noun

1. an external parasite (endoparasite ).

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ectoparasite British  

/ ˌɛktəʊˌpærəˈsɪtɪk, ˌɛktəʊˈpærəˌsaɪt /

noun

1. Also called: exoparasite.  a parasite, such as the flea, that lives on the outer surface of its host

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ectoparasite Scientific  

/ ĕk′tə-păr′ə-sīt′ /

1. See under parasite

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Other Word Forms

• ectoparasitic adjective

Etymology

Origin of ectoparasite

First recorded in 1860–65; ecto- + parasite

Example Sentences

“Yes, we did work on ectoparasites and receive samples,” Silaghi says.

From Science Magazine

But vomiting is somewhat futile against a tick, an ectoparasite that latches on to skin, not stomachs.

From New York Times

Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and other diseases can be passed along by these ectoparasites, and different critters carry different pathogens.

From Washington Post

“There is a distinct possibility that these findings may be an artefact of using marks that simulate ectoparasites,” he said.

From The Guardian

“There were only four ectoparasites found, across all the nests,” Thoemmes said.

From The Guardian