Obligate Parasite
/ˈɒb.lɪ.ɡət ˈpær.ə.saɪt/noun
A parasite that relies entirely on its host for survival and reproduction.
Did you know?Obligate parasites have evolved intricate survival strategies, sometimes manipulating their hosts' behavior to enhance their own survival—think of it as a form of biological sorcery.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
obligatus
“bound or tied to, indicating a strong duty or connection.”
Latin
Latin
parasitus
“one who eats at the table of another, a leech or sponger.”
Old French
Old French
parasite
“a person who receives favors without giving anything in return.”
17th Century
English
parasite
“a creature living at the expense of another, particularly in biological contexts.”
Modern English
English
obligate parasite
“a species that must live in a host to complete its life cycle, highlighting its dependency.”
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