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phoresy

[fawr-uh-see]

noun

Zoology.
  1. (among insects and arachnids) a nonparasitic relationship in which one species is carried about by another.



phoresy

/ ˈfɒrəsɪ /

noun

  1. an association in which one animal clings to another to ensure movement from place to place, as some mites use some insects

“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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of phoresy1

1920–25; < New Latin phoresia < Greek phórēs ( is ) a wearing ( phorē-, verbid stem of phoreîn, durative of phérein to bear 1 + -sis -sis ) + -ia -y 3
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Word History and Origins

Origin of phoresy1

C20: from New Latin phoresia, from Greek phorēsis, from pherein to carry
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Researchers refer to this form of freeloading as phoresy.

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-phoresisphormium