parassitismo

parasitism

noun pah-ras-see-TEEZ-moh Rare

Origin: From Greek parasitos, one who eats at another's table.

Usage Note

Parassitismo is used in both biological contexts (the ecological relationship) and social ones (living off others' work). It is masculine: il parassitismo. The related noun il parassita (parasite) is masculine despite ending in -a, with plural i parassiti.

Examples

"Il parassitismo è comune nel mondo animale."

Natural Translation

Parasitism is common in the animal world.

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