Definition

A type of organism that lives on or inside another parasite, taking advantage of its host.

Example

The hyperparasite feeds on the parasitic insect, controlling its population.

Conversation

Did you know there are insects called hyperparasites?

Really? That sounds kind of wild!

Yeah, they actually live off other parasitic insects.

Nature is so interesting; it's like a whole ecosystem of parasites!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hyperparasite → It is formed from "hyper-" (meaning over or excessive) and "parasite" (from Greek "parasitos", meaning one who eats at another's table). The word describes an organism that lives on or within another parasite, thus being a parasite of a parasite.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hyper-' meaning excessive and 'parasite' as one that lives off another. This helps you remember that a hyperparasite is an organism that excessively lives off another parasite.

Visually Confused Words