Definition

Relating to or caused by a living organism that lives on or in another organism and benefits at the host's expense.

Example

The parasitic plant took nutrients from the tree it was growing on.

Conversation

Did you read that article about parasitic plants?

Yeah, it's amazing how they survive off other plants.

I had no idea they could be so harmful to their hosts.

Right? It's crazy how nature works with those parasitic relationships.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Parasitic → It is formed from "parasitus" (from Greek "parásitos", meaning one who eats at another's table) and the suffix "-ic" (meaning pertaining to). The word "parasitic" refers to something that pertains to or resembles a parasite, which lives off another organism.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'eats at another's table' — that's what a parasite does, and the '-ic' means it relates to that behavior.

Visually Confused Words