parasitism
noun
par·a·sit·ism
ˈper-ə-sə-ˌti-zəm 
-ˌsī-,
ˈpa-rə-
1
: the behavior of a parasite
2
: an intimate association between organisms of two or more kinds
especially
: one in which a parasite obtains benefits from a host which it usually injures
3
Examples of parasitism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The second- and third-most impactful factors were wolf predation and parasitism by carotid arterial worms (E. schneideri).
—
Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024
Our understanding of them has barely scratched the surface—there’s more to learn about the specifics of its reproductive cycle, for instance—and their existence will continue to challenge our understanding of symbiosis, parasitism and the delicate interplay between different species.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024
That parasitism has cropped up so many times in unrelated species — and thus evolved again and again — speaks to its success as an adaptive strategy.
—Kate Golembiewski, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024
Whether that reduces incidence of blowfly parasitism in sheep, however, remains to be seen, Ward-Fear notes.
—Bygennaro Tomma, science.org, 11 July 2024
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Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024
Our understanding of them has barely scratched the surface—there’s more to learn about the specifics of its reproductive cycle, for instance—and their existence will continue to challenge our understanding of symbiosis, parasitism and the delicate interplay between different species.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024
That parasitism has cropped up so many times in unrelated species — and thus evolved again and again — speaks to its success as an adaptive strategy.
—Kate Golembiewski, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024
Whether that reduces incidence of blowfly parasitism in sheep, however, remains to be seen, Ward-Fear notes.
—Bygennaro Tomma, science.org, 11 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for parasitism
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Cite this Entry
“Parasitism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parasitism. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
parasitism
noun
par·a·sit·ism
ˈpar-ə-sə-ˌtiz-əm
-ˌsīt-ˌiz-
: a close association between living things of two or more kinds of which one is a parasite obtaining benefits from the other which is a host and is usually harmed in some way
Medical Definition
parasitism
noun
par·a·sit·ism
ˈpar-ə-sə-ˌtiz-əm
-ˌsīt-ˌiz-
-ˌsīt-ˌiz-
1
: an intimate association between organisms of two or more kinds
especially
: one in which a parasite obtains benefits from a host which it usually injures
2
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