Tools: Learn New Words | Secure Password Generator | Startup Tools | PDF Generator

Parasite (Noun)

An animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant); it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host.

Nouns denoting animals.

The tapeworm is a parasite that lives in the intestines of its host and feeds on the nutrients absorbed by the host's body.
The mistletoe plant is a parasite that grows on the branches of trees and obtains its nutrients by tapping into the tree's vascular system.
Lice are parasites that live on the bodies of mammals and birds, feeding on their skin and blood.
The remora fish is a parasite that attaches itself to the bodies of sharks and feeds on the leftover food particles from the shark's meals.
The dodder plant is a parasite that wraps itself around the stems of other plants and obtains its nutrients by sucking out the sap from its host.

A follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage.

Nouns denoting people.

The celebrity's entourage was filled with parasites who only hung around for the free perks and parties.
He was a parasite on the team, always taking credit for others' ideas and doing minimal work himself.
The social climber was a parasite on the wealthy family, constantly attending their events and asking for favors.
The group of friends had a parasite who always seemed to appear when they were going out for expensive dinners or concerts.
The company had a few parasites on the payroll, employees who did little work but collected a paycheck every month.