Parasite
/ˈpær.ə.saɪt/noun
An organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food at the expense of its host.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, the term 'parasite' was used to describe people who exploited others, often in a courtly or social context, reflecting a hidden societal dynamic of manipulation.
Etymological Timeline
Greek
Greek
parasitos
“One who eats at another's table, a freeloader.”
Latin
Latin
parasitus
“A person who lives off others, often implying deceit.”
Middle French
Middle French
parasite
“One who relies on the hospitality of others.”
16th Century
English
parasite
“An organism living on another, derived from the social context of exploitation.”
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