# parasite

/ˈpɛɹəˌsaɪt/ (US) · /pˈæɹəsˌaɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/parasite
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. biological organism

noun · CEFR B2

a plant or animal that lives on or inside another living thing and gets its food from it.

For teachers: an organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (the host) and derives nutrients at the host's expense.

- The doctor explained that the stomach pain was caused by a parasite from the dirty water.
- The life cycle of this particular parasite requires two different hosts to reach maturity before it can reproduce effectively.

### 2. lazy or exploitative person

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a person who takes money, food, or help from others but never does anything to help in return.

For teachers: a person who habitually relies on or exploits others and gives nothing in return. Often used as a derogatory social or political label.

- He hasn't had a job in years and just lives like a parasite off his parents.
- The editorial attacked the corrupt officials, describing them as parasites who drained the country's resources while the public suffered.

### 3. secondary aircraft

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a smaller plane that is carried and launched by a much larger aircraft.

For teachers: a component of a composite aircraft that is carried aloft and air-launched by a larger carrier aircraft or mother ship.

- The experimental rocket was launched as a parasite from the wing of a heavy bomber.
- Engineers evaluated the aerodynamic interference between the mother ship and the parasite aircraft during the high-altitude release sequence.

## Examples

- The tick is a common parasite that feeds on blood.
- Doctors found that the patient's fatigue was caused by a parasite he contracted from drinking untreated water.
- In the natural world, the relationship between a parasite and its host is often a delicate evolutionary race where the host develops defenses while the intruder finds new ways to bypass them.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.