parasitoid
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈpærəˌsaɪtɔɪd/
KK: /ˈpærəˌsaɪtɔɪd/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a type of insect that lives on or inside another organism and eventually kills it.
Example
The parasitoid wasp lays its eggs inside the caterpillar, leading to the caterpillar's demise.
Conversation
Did you know there are insects that are parasitoid?
Really? I’ve never heard of that before.
Yeah, they actually lay their eggs inside other insects.
That sounds pretty intense! Nature is wild.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
parasitic
dependent
leeching
Antonyms
independent
self-sufficient
autonomous
noun
Definition
A type of insect whose young live inside and feed on another insect, eventually killing it. These insects, like certain wasps, are known for their unique life cycle where the larvae develop inside a host.
Example
The parasitoid laid its eggs inside the caterpillar, ensuring that its larvae would have a food source.
Conversation
Did you know that some wasps are actually parasitoid insects?
Really? I had no idea that they could be so harmful to other insects.
Yeah, their larvae grow inside the host and eventually kill it.
Root Explanation
Parasitoid is formed from "para-" (meaning alongside or near) and "sito" (from the Greek "sitos", meaning food). The term describes an organism that lives in or on another organism (the host) and derives nourishment from it, often leading to the host's death, thus living alongside it in a parasitic manner.
Memory Tip
Think of an organism that lives 'alongside' ('para-') another, feeding on it ('sitos') — that's why a parasitoid is an organism that feeds on its host.
Visually Confused Words
prasoid