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Parasitic: meaning, definitions and examples

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parasitic

 

[ˌpær.əˈsɪt.ɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

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.

Synonyms

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'parasitikos', which means 'to eat at another's table', indicating dependence on another for food.
  • In the early 1600s, the word was primarily used to describe people who were dependent on others, before it shifted to biological contexts.

Biology

  • Parasitic organisms can be found in various forms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and animals, showcasing the vastness of this relationship.
  • Ticks and leeches are examples of external parasites that attach to their hosts, feeding on their blood.
  • Some plants, like mistletoe, are parasitic as they live on and extract nutrients from other plants.

Culture and Society

  • In literature and film, parasitic themes often symbolize toxic relationships or power dynamics, such as in the movie 'Parasite' that critiques class disparities.
  • The concept of being 'parasitic' is sometimes applied metaphorically to individuals or corporations that exploit others for their gain.

Psychology

  • The term can also be used metaphorically to describe personality types that emotionally drain others, showcasing a toxic relational dynamic.
  • Research in social psychology suggests that 'parasitic' relationships can lead to lower self-esteem and increased anxiety in the affected individuals.

Environmental Science

  • Some parasitic species play a significant role in ecosystems, often regulating the populations of their hosts and maintaining balance.
  • Parasitic relationships can affect biodiversity, as certain parasites may contribute to the decline of specific species, which can alter ecosystem dynamics.

Translations

Translations of the word "parasitic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 parasitário

🇮🇳 परजीवी

🇩🇪 parasitär

🇮🇩 parasit

🇺🇦 паразитичний

🇵🇱 pasożytniczy

🇯🇵 寄生的な

🇫🇷 parasitique

🇪🇸 parasitario

🇹🇷 parazitik

🇰🇷 기생적인

🇸🇦 طفيلي

🇨🇿 parazitární

🇸🇰 parazitárny

🇨🇳 寄生的

🇸🇮 parazitski

🇮🇸 snýkjur

🇰🇿 паразиттік

🇬🇪 პარაზიტული

🇦🇿 parazit

🇲🇽 parasitario

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,692, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.