Definition

Able to kill or eliminate parasites, particularly those that are harmful to other organisms.

Example

The new medication has a strong parasiticidal effect, helping to rid the body of harmful worms.

Conversation

I just bought this new medication that's supposed to be parasiticidal.

Oh really? That sounds interesting! What does it do?

It helps eliminate parasites from the body, which is pretty useful.

Definitely! I've heard those can be really harmful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Parasiticidal is formed from "parasite" (from Greek "parasitos", meaning one who eats at another's table) and "-cidal" (from Latin "caedere", meaning to kill). The word refers to the act of killing parasites.

Memory Tip

Think of 'parasite' as something that lives off another, and '-cidal' means to kill. So, parasiticidal means to kill those who live off others.

Visually Confused Words