noun

parasite

parasite

A tapeworm is a type of parasite.

A tapeworm is a type of parasite.

He's a parasite living off his parents' money.

He's a parasite living off his parents' money.

((a parasite)) as a biological organism The parasite lives inside its host.

((a parasite)) as a person She called her lazy brother a parasite.

Synonyms: freeloader, leech, hanger-on.

From Greek `para-` "beside" + `sitos` "food". Literally, "one who eats at another's table".

Picture someone sitting "para" (beside) you at a "site" (table) eating your food for free.

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