Obligate Parasite
/ˈɒb.lɪ.ɡeɪt ˈpær.ə.saɪt/noun
An organism that depends entirely on its host for survival and reproduction.
Did you know?Obligate parasites have evolved to such an extent that they can no longer live independently, a chilling reminder of nature's dependence and interconnectedness.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
obligare
“to bind or tie, imposing a duty.”
Latin
Latin
parasitus
“a person who eats at another's table, a beggar or freeloader.”
Old French
Old French
parasit
“a parasite, someone living off others.”
16th Century
English
parasite
“a person who receives support without giving anything in return.”
Modern English
English
obligate parasite
“a species that must live on a host organism to survive.”
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