Sekirov Dictionary

parasite

/ˈpæɹəˌsaɪt/

noun 8
verb 1
forms 3

noun8

•
An organism that lives on or in another organism of a different species, deriving benefit from living on or in that other organism, while not contributing towards that other organism sufficiently to cover the cost to that other organism.
- Lice, fleas, ticks, and mites are widely spread parasites.
•
(informal) An internal parasite that is an animal or protist.
- Any germs or parasites on the surface of the meat that you could conceivably wash off are gonna die as soon as you cook it, so don't bother washing it. — 2020
•
(offensive) A person who lives on other people's efforts or expense and gives little or nothing back.
- A royalist who publicly called for a military intervention to protect the parasite monarchy. — 2021
(offensive) A sycophant or hanger-on.
A component of a composite aircraft which is carried aloft and air-launched by a larger carrier aircraft or mother ship to support the primary mission of the carrier; a parasite aircraft.
[before a noun] An isolated (FSDU) (freestanding display unit )
•
(literary) A climbing plant which is supported by a wall, trellis etc.
- Her golden tresses shade / The bosom's stainless pride, / Curling like tendrils of the parasite / Around a marble column. — 1813
(historical) A retainer or companion of an ancient Celtic warrior, who praised him in song or poetry at gatherings; a bard.

verb1

(rare) To parasitize.

forms

parasited · parasiting · parasites

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