parasitism

Meanings

• Noun

  The act of living on or taking nutrients from another organism, while harming it or getting benefit from it.

  - "The tapeworm is a parasite that lives in the intestines of its host."
  - "Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito."

• Noun

  A person who relies excessively on others and contributes little in return.

  - "He's a parasite, always asking for favors but never returning them."
  - "She's a parasite on her family, living off their hard work."

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with parasitism
absurdist , anarchist , autobiist , christist , distortist , misanthropist , misogynist , narcissist , paralyze , paradigm , paraphernalist , parasite , parasitic , parasitology , paroxysm , schizophrenist , sociologist , telepathist , teratogenic

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Variants

List of all variants of parasitism that leads to same result
parasitism , parasitisms

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From the Greek parastatos, meaning 'beside, near,' plus itis, meaning 'placing' or 'sitting.'

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The largest known parasitic worm is the tapeworm, which can grow up to 80 feet long.

2. The human body is host to trillions of microbes, many of which are beneficial and even essential for good health.

3. The term 'parasitology' was coined by the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1802.

4. The word 'parasite' comes from the Greek words 'parastatos,' meaning 'beside,' and 'itis,' meaning 'placing' or 'sitting.'

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. Symbiosis: A close and often long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms, typically in a mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic relationship.

2. Ectoparasite: An organism that lives on the external surface of another organism.

3. Endoparasite: An organism that lives inside the body of another organism.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

Parasitism has been a common theme in literature and art, often used to explore themes of dependency, exploitation, and survival. For example, in Mary Shelley's 'The Parasite,' a man becomes a parasite on his wife after an accident leaves him unable to live independently. In music, the term 'parasitic harmony' refers to the use of dissonant harmonies that are not traditionally considered harmonious.

How to Memorize "parasitism"

1. visualize
   

   - Visualize a tapeworm living inside a host's intestines, taking nutrients from the host's food.
   - Imagine a person constantly asking for favors but never returning them.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'parasite' with the image of a tapeworm or a leech.
   - Think of a person who constantly relies on others and contributes little in return.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Remember the mnemonic 'People Eat And Live Squid In Ocean: Parasites Eat And Attach Suck In Orifices.'
   - Think of the acronym 'PIG: Parasites In Grass: People Ignore Goodness' to remember the negative connotation of the word 'parasite'.

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