Parasite Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of PARASITE

[count]

1

:

an animal or plant that lives in or on another animal or plant and gets food or protection from it

• Many diseases are caused by parasites.

— compare 1host 3

2

disapproving

:

a person or thing that takes something from someone or something else and does not do anything to earn it or deserve it

• She's a parasite who only stays with him for the money.
• These new companies are parasites feeding off the success of those who spent the last decade establishing the industry.