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parasitic

[ par-uh-sit-ik ]
/ ˌpær əˈsɪt ɪk /
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adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of parasites.
(of diseases) due to parasites.
Phonetics. excrescent(def 2).

RELATED WORDS

bumming, leeching, sponging, abject, beggarly, complacent, compliant, cringing, deferential, fawning, flattering, ingratiating, menial, obeisant, oily, prostrate, respectful, servile, slavish, spineless

Nearby words

  1. parasinoidal,
  2. parasinoidal sinus,
  3. parasite,
  4. parasite drag,
  5. parasitemia,
  6. parasitic cyst,
  7. parasitic male,
  8. parasitic melanoderma,
  9. parasitic oscillation,
  10. parasiticide
Sometimes par·a·sit·i·cal.

Origin of parasitic

1620–30; < Latin parasīticus < Greek parasītikós. See parasite, -ic
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for parasitical

Word Origin and History for parasitical

parasitic

adj.

1620s, from Latin parasiticus, from Greek parasitikos "of or pertaining to a parasite; the trade of a parasite," from parasitos (see parasite). Biological sense is from 1731. Related: Parasitical, 1570s in reference to toadies; from 1640s in the biological sense.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for parasitical

parasitic

[ păr′ə-sĭt′ĭk ]

adj.

Of, relating to, or characteristic of a parasite.
Caused by a parasite.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.