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Parasitism

//ˈpæɹəs(a)ɪˌtɪzm̩// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Interaction between two organisms, in which one organism (the parasite) benefits and the other (the host) is harmed. uncountable, usually
  2. 2
    the relation between two different kinds of organisms in which one receives benefits from the other by causing damage to it (usually not fatal damage) wordnet
  3. 3
    A similar interaction between people or things. figuratively, uncountable, usually

    "We accused her of parasitism in taking his hard-earned money for new dresses."

Etymology

From parasite + -ism. Cognate with French parasitisme and Portuguese and Spanish parasitismo.

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