Parasitic: meaning, definitions and examples

biological context

Parasitic refers to a lifestyle or behavior where an organism benefits at the expense of another. This typically involves living on or in a host, drawing nutrients and benefits while harming the host organism. Parasitic relationships can be found in various forms, including physical parasites, like worms and lice, as well as ecological or social parasites, which exploit host organisms for survival or reproduction. The term is often used to describe both living organisms and metaphorically to refer to harmful relationships in social or economic contexts.

dependent, exploitative, infesting

Examples of usage

• The parasitic relationship between the tick and the deer is harmful to the host.

• Some plants, like mistletoe, exhibit parasitic traits by drawing nutrients from trees.

• Parasitic infections can have severe impacts on the health of the host organism.