hyperparasite

noun

hy·​per·​par·​a·​site ˌhī-pər-ˈper-ə-ˌsīt How to pronounce hyperparasite (audio)
-ˈpa-rə-
: a parasite that is parasitic upon another parasite
hyperparasitic adjective
hyperparasitism noun

Examples of hyperparasite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Gomez-Zapata, a PhD student at the Aime lab at Purdue University, says that a hyperparasite is a parasite whose host is another parasite. Andrew Wight, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2021 Hyperparasites are parasites that take advantage of other parasites, such as parasitic wasps that lay eggs in other parasitic wasps that in turn lay eggs in caterpillars. Andrew Forbes, National Geographic, 25 Jan. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hyperparasite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperparasite was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near hyperparasite

Cite this Entry

“Hyperparasite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperparasite. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

hyperparasite

noun
hy·​per·​par·​a·​site ˌhī-pər-ˈpar-ə-ˌsīt How to pronounce hyperparasite (audio)
: a parasite that is parasitic upon another parasite
hyperparasitic adjective
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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