parasitic
parasitic
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "parasitic" is /ˌpærəˈsaɪtɪk/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
ˈpærə (first syllable):
/p/ - voiceless bilabial stop
/æ/ - near-open front unrounded vowel
/rə/ - voiced alveolar approximant followed by a schwa
ˈsaɪtɪk (second syllable):
/saɪ/ - voiceless alveolar sibilant followed by a near-close front unrounded vowel
/tɪk/ - voiceless alveolar stop followed by a near-close front unrounded vowel and a voiceless velar stop
Word Form Variations
The word "parasitic" is primarily used as an adjective. Therefore, it doesn't have plural or singular forms like nouns do.
However, it can be used to form other words:
Parasite: This is the noun form, referring to an organism that lives on or in another organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host.
Parasitically: This is the adverb form, meaning "in a parasitic manner."
Parasitism: This is the noun form, referring to the state or condition of being a parasite.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Parasitic (Adjective)
Definition:
Living on or in another organism and getting its food from or at the expense of its host.
Synonyms:
Infesting, sponging, leeching, predatory, exploitative
Antonyms:
Self-sufficient, independent, autonomous
Parasite (Noun)
Definition:
An organism that lives on or in another organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host.
Synonyms:
Leech, bloodsucker, freeloader, hanger-on
Antonyms:
Host, benefactor, provider
Parasitically (Adverb)
Definition:
In a parasitic manner.
Synonyms:
Spongingly, leechingly, exploitatively
Antonyms:
Independently, autonomously
Parasitism (Noun)
Definition:
The state or condition of being a parasite.
Synonyms:
Infestation, parasitization
Antonyms:
Self-sufficiency, independence
Examples of Use
In Biology and Science:
Textbooks: "A tapeworm is a parasitic flatworm that lives inside the intestines of vertebrates." (Campbell Biology)
Scientific Journals: "The study examined the parasitic behavior of the new species of mite." (Journal of Parasitology)
In Economics and Social Sciences:
Newspapers: "The article criticized certain business practices as being parasitic, exploiting workers and consumers." (The New York Times)
Academic Papers: "The research explored the concept of parasitic nations, those that rely heavily on foreign aid without contributing to the global economy." (Journal of International Affairs)
In Popular Culture:
Movies: In the movie "Alien," the alien creature is often described as a parasitic organism that takes over its host.
Video Games: In many video games, players encounter parasitic creatures that must be defeated to progress.
Books: In science fiction novels, parasitic aliens are common plot devices. For example, in the "Alien" novel series, the xenomorph is a deadly, parasitic extraterrestrial.
In General Discourse:
Social Media: "This influencer is just a parasitic leech, promoting products they don't believe in for personal gain." (Twitter)
Everyday Conversation: "That company is parasitic, sucking the life out of small businesses."
These examples demonstrate the diverse applications of the word "parasitic," from scientific contexts to everyday language, highlighting its versatility and relevance in various fields.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Parasitic
“A parasitic relationship is one where one benefits and the other suffers.” – Basic ecological definition, echoed in countless biology and sociology texts.
“Parasitic people will drain you dry if you let them.” – Adapted from contemporary self-help and relationship advice.
“The parasitic mind feeds on the insecurities of others.” – A modern reflection on manipulation.
“Power without purpose is parasitic.” – Inspired by political philosophy.
“There is nothing so parasitic as a leader who uses the fears of the people to strengthen his own hand.” – Paraphrase of political commentary.
“Parasitic growth always depends on the host’s generosity, not on its own merit.” – Modern critique of certain economic systems.
“A parasitic soul sees opportunity in the misfortune of others.” – Adapted from a proverb about exploitation.
“Parasitic thoughts thrive in the mind that never questions them.” – Contemporary psychological insight.
“Parasitic systems collapse when the host refuses to comply.” – Inspired by labor and economic justice movements.
“The parasitic tendencies of the powerful are exposed when the powerless speak.” – Summarized from modern activist speeches.
Etymology
The word "parasitic" comes from the Greek words "para-" meaning "beside" or "alongside," and "sitos" meaning "grain" or "food." So, originally, a "parasite" was a person who ate at another's table, often a flatterer who lived off the hospitality of the rich.
Over time, the word evolved to describe organisms that live on or in other organisms, feeding off them. The first known use of "parasitic" in this biological sense was in the 1700s.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Parasitic
While "parasitic" isn't as common in everyday idioms as some other words, here are a few phrases and idioms that use it or words with similar meanings:
Bloodsucker: This is a direct synonym for a parasite, often used to describe someone who takes advantage of others.
Leech: Another synonym for a parasite, often used to describe someone who drains resources or energy from others.
Free-loader: Someone who takes advantage of the generosity of others without contributing.
To live off the fat of the land: To live luxuriously, often at the expense of others.
To sponge off someone: To rely on someone else for financial support.
These phrases and idioms convey the idea of taking advantage of others, similar to the concept of parasitism.
Posts Related to Parasitic
Source Information
Definition of parasitic from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
