parasite
an organism that lives on or in a host and benefits at the host's expense, or a person who habitually exploits others
Word origin: From Greek parasitos, one who eats at another's table.
Parasite in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing parasite in a sentence.
He was regarded as a parasite who borrowed money from friends with no intention of repaying it.
The essay argues that absentee landlords functioned as economic parasites, drawing wealth from tenants while contributing nothing.
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Verbal · Text Completion
Critics initially dismissed the composer's late works as merely blank, but later scholars recognized in them a deliberate restraint that concealed considerable technical sophistication.
Using “parasite” well
Beyond biology, parasite is a sharp insult for someone who lives off others' efforts. Note that host is its biological opposite, the organism the parasite exploits.
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done with careful and thorough effort
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pale or lacking vitality and color
Questions about “parasite”
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