| Share

Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—P

Parasite

(Greek, para sitos, eating at another's cost). A plant or animal that lives on another; hence a hanger-on, who fawns and flatters for the sake of his food.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

More on Parasite from Infoplease:

parasitic: meaning and definitions - parasitic: Definition and Pronunciation
parasite - parasite parasite, plant or animal that at some stage of its existence obtains its nourishment from ...
parasitism - parasitism: parasitism: see parasite.
brood parasite: meaning and definitions - brood parasite: Definition and Pronunciation
parasite drag: meaning and definitions - parasite drag: Definition and Pronunciation

Related Content

Allusions
Foreign Words and Phrases
Latin and Greek Word Elements
Names: Their Origins and Meanings
Old Testament Names
Mythology
Ancient Greek Literature & Mythology
The Bible (King James version)
The Koran (translation by J. M. Rodwell)
Shakespeare's Plays
Tales from Shakespeare (Charles and Mary Lamb)
Frequently Misspelled Words
Frequently Mispronounced Words
Easily Confused Words
Writing & Language

24 X 7

Private Tutor

	24 x 7 Tutor Availability
	Unlimited Online Tutoring
	1-on-1 Tutoring

Explore Algebra , Free Math Answers

Popular Areas

Infoplease Tools

The Family Education Network

About Infoplease,
Part of Family Education Network

© 2000–2013 Pearson Education, publishing as Infoplease