as in leeches
a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return
a parasite who lived in the family's basement and refused to get a job or pay rent
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Recent Examples of parasites
May Protect Against Disease Annatto is rich in several key antimicrobial compounds, which can limit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
—
Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 21 Dec. 2024
Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted to humans via infected mosquitos.
—Dave Wessner, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Often, these duplications are referred to as genetic parasites due to their potential harmful effects, including genetic diseases such as cancer.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
Both species can carry parasites that pose a risk to humans.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024
Advertisement Recalls happen when food is found to be contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites, due to the presence of foreign objects such as glass or metal, or if packaging fails to note a major allergen.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
This reusable steel filter straw removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics from water.
—Joni Sweet, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
Outdoors, pests are kept in check by natural parasites and predators.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024
Stops the multiplication of parasites in the body These parasites sneak into the liver and then invade red blood cells, causing havoc in the human body.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Nov. 2024
Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 21 Dec. 2024
Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted to humans via infected mosquitos.
—Dave Wessner, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Often, these duplications are referred to as genetic parasites due to their potential harmful effects, including genetic diseases such as cancer.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
Both species can carry parasites that pose a risk to humans.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024
Advertisement Recalls happen when food is found to be contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites, due to the presence of foreign objects such as glass or metal, or if packaging fails to note a major allergen.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
This reusable steel filter straw removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics from water.
—Joni Sweet, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
Outdoors, pests are kept in check by natural parasites and predators.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024
Stops the multiplication of parasites in the body These parasites sneak into the liver and then invade red blood cells, causing havoc in the human body.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Parasites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parasites. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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