Parasitical (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Of plants or persons; having the nature or habits of a parasite or leech; living off another; "a wealthy class parasitic upon the labor of the masses"; "parasitic vines that strangle the trees"; "bloodsucking blackmailer"; "his indolent leechlike existence".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- Some species of orchids have parasitical relationships with certain fungi in order to obtain nutrients from the soil.
- The critic labeled the artist a parasitical imposter who made a career out of copying others' work.
- The parasitical vine wrapped itself around the tree trunk, slowly choking off its host.
- Communists considered the wealthy elite to be a parasitical class living off the labor of the working class.
- In some parts of the world, certain landlords are seen as parasitical figures profiting from the hard work and labor of tenant farmers.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Relating to or caused by parasites; "parasitic infection".
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The nurse explained to the patient the dangers of letting a parasitical infection go untreated.
- The doctor ran a series of tests to confirm the presence of a parasitical infestation in the patient's digestive system.
- A widespread parasitical outbreak occurred after contaminated water was consumed by many residents of the town.
- Symptoms of the parasitical disease manifested months after initial exposure, and the patient's condition worsened over time.
- Treatment of the parasitical worm required a combination of medications and dietary changes to prevent reinfestation.