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

parasitism

/ păr′ə-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

Other Words From

• non·para·sitism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of parasitism¹

First recorded in 1605–15; parasite + -ism

Example Sentences

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

From Science News For Students

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg