epizoon

or ep·i·zo·ite

[ ep-uh-zoh-on, -uhn ]

noun

, Biology.

, plural ep·i·zo·a [ep-, uh, -, zoh, -, uh].

1. an external parasite or commensal on the body of an animal; ectozoon.

epizoon

/ ˌɛpɪˈzəʊɒn /

noun

1. an animal, such as a parasite, that lives on the body of another animal

Derived Forms

• ˌepiˈzoan, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epizoon¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1830–40; epi-, -zoon

Word History and Origins

Origin of epizoon¹

C19: New Latin, from epi- + Greek zōion animal