Parásito (en. Parasite)

/paˈɾasito/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
A living being that feeds on another living being and depends on it to survive.
The mosquito is a parasite that feeds on human blood.
El mosquito es un parásito que se alimenta de la sangre de los humanos.
A person who lives at the expense of another, without contributing anything in return.
He is considered a social parasite since he doesn't work and depends on his friends.
Se considera un parásito social, ya que no trabaja y depende de sus amigos.
An organism that develops inside or on another organism, causing harm.
The intestinal parasite can cause serious health problems.
El parásito intestinal puede provocar graves problemas de salud.

Etymology

From the Greek 'parasitos', which means 'one who eats at the side of' (para = at the side of; sitos = food).

Common Phrases and Expressions

social parasite
A person who benefits from others without offering anything in return.
parásito social
to live at someone else's expense
To depend financially on another person.
vivir a costa de alguien
to be a parasite
To not contribute and take advantage of the efforts of others.
ser un parásito

Related Words

parasitism
A relationship in which one organism lives at the expense of another.
parasitismo
leech
An animal that sucks blood, similar to a parasite.
sanguijuela
infestation
The presence of parasites in an organism.
infestación

Slang Meanings

A person who takes advantage of others.
That guy is a parasite; he only shows up when he needs something.
Ese tipo es un parásito, solo aparece cuando necesita algo.
An individual who lives at the expense of others.
He is a parasite; he never works and always asks to borrow money.
Es un parásito, nunca trabaja y siempre pide dinero prestado.