parasitic
adjective/ˌpærəˈsɪtɪk/
Frequency rank: #9,862 most common English word
Meaning
Living on or in another organism and taking nutrients from it without giving anything in return; dependent on others in a harmful way.
Example sentence
The scientist discovered that the parasitic organism was slowly draining nutrients from its host plant.
Synonyms & related words
- dependent
- exploitative
- freeloading
- bloodsucking
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 9,801–9,900
- mutinyAn open rebellion against authority, especially by soldiers or sailors against their commanders.
- nervouslyin a way that shows anxiety or unease
- nighttimethe period of time when it is dark outside; the hours between sunset and sunrise.
- nonlinearNot arranged in a straight line; not following a simple proportional or sequential pattern.
- outweighto be greater in weight, value, or importance than something else.
- parsleya bright green herb used in cooking for flavoring and garnish.
- pendulumA weight hung from a fixed point that swings freely back and forth, used in clocks or as a symbol of change.
- picketa protest in which people stand outside a workplace to show opposition, often during a strike.
- poignantEvoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; deeply touching.
- polioAn infectious viral disease that can cause paralysis, especially in children.