Definition

Describing organisms that live or grow on the outside of an animal's body.

Example

The epizoic barnacles attached themselves to the whale's skin.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals can have epizoic creatures living on them?

Really? That sounds fascinating!

Yeah, like certain types of barnacles that attach to whales.

That's so cool! Nature is full of surprises.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Epizoic is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon or over) and "zoon" (meaning animal). The word describes organisms that live on the surface of animals, hence living upon animals.

Memory Tip

Think of something that lives 'upon' ('epi-') an 'animal' ('zoon') — that's what epizoic means.

Visually Confused Words