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Definition of parasitism - 6 dictionary results
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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.
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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.
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Parasitism

Par"a*si`tism\, n. [Cf. F. parasitisme.]

1. The state or behavior of a parasite; the act of a parasite. "Court parasitism." --Milton.

2. (Bot. & Zo["o]l.)The state of being parasitic.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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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.
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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.
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parasitism   (pār'ə-sĭ-tĭz'əm)  Pronunciation Key 
A symbiotic relationship in which one organism (the parasite) benefits and the other (the host) is generally harmed. Parasites derive nutrition from their host and may also gain other benefits such as shelter and a habitat in which to grow and reproduce. See more at parasite. Compare amensalism, commensalism, mutualism.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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