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parasitism

[ par-uh-sahy-tiz-uhm, -si- ]

noun

  1. Biology. a relation between organisms in which one lives as a parasite on another.
  2. a parasitic mode of life or existence.
  3. Pathology. a diseased condition due to parasites.
  4. (in some totalitarian countries)
    1. unemployment or refusal to work.
    2. employment in work considered nonessential by the state.


parasitism

/ ˈpærəsaɪˌtɪzəm /

noun

  1. the relationship between a parasite and its host
  2. the state of being infested with parasites
  3. the state of being a parasite
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


parasitism

/ părə-sĭ-tĭz′əm /

  1. A relationship between two organisms in which one organism (the parasite) benefits and the other (the host) is harmed. Parasites derive nutrition from their host and may also gain other benefits such as shelter and a habitat in which to grow and reproduce.
  2. See more at parasiteCompare amensalism


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Other Words From

  • non·para·sitism noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of parasitism1

First recorded in 1605–15; parasite + -ism
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Example Sentences

While brachiopods with tubes were smaller, Leung says, this might not be due to parasitism.

Calling capitalist ownership parasitism is an extreme position, perhaps, but one common enough among Occupiers.

But to jump out of parasitism into Socialism would be jumping out of the frying-pan into the fire.

The small pipas exercize a real parasitism, ordered by an absent-mindedness of nature.

It is based on competitive anarchy and parasitism—the evidences of a defective social organization.

In Hemileia it was ruthless parasitism; in Strigula advantageous commensalism.

The conventions of the business world have grown up under the selective surveillance of this principle of predation or parasitism.

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parasitic oscillationparasitize