Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words
Definition of PARASITISM - 4 dictionary results

par⋅a⋅sit⋅ism

  [par-uh-sahy-tiz-uhm, -si-]
Use PARASITISM in a Sentence
–noun
1. Biology. a relation between organisms in which one lives as a parasite on another.
2. a parasitic mode of life or existence.
3. Pathology. a diseased condition due to parasites.
4. (in some totalitarian countries)
a. unemployment or refusal to work.
b. employment in work considered nonessential by the state.
Origin:
1605–15; parasite + -ism
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To PARASITISM
par·a·sit·ism   (pār'ə-sĭ-tĭz'əm, -sī-)   
n.  

  1. The characteristic behavior or mode of existence of a parasite or parasitic population.

  2. Parasitosis.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: par·a·sit·ism
Pronunciation: 'par-&-s&-"tiz-&m, -"sIt-"iz-
Function: noun
1 : an intimate associationbetween organisms of two or more kinds; especially : one in which a parasite obtains benefits from a host which it usually injures
2 : PARASITOSIS
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

parasitism par·a·sit·ism (pār'ə-sĭ-tĭz'əm, -sī-)
n.
A symbiotic relationship in which one species, the parasite, benefits at the expense of the other, the host.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see PARASITISM on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way