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Parasitize is a verb that refers to the relationship between two organisms, a parasite and its host, in which the parasite benefits at the expense of the host. This term is commonly used in the context of biology and ecology, describing a mode of survival and reproduction for certain organisms.
Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where the parasite relies on the host for nourishment, shelter, and reproduction, often causing harm or reduced fitness to the host. The parasite usually attaches itself to the host and derives essential nutrients from its tissues or consumes the host's resources. The host is typically an organism of a different species, as parasitism rarely occurs within the same species.
Parasitism can be found across various organisms, ranging from bacteria and fungi to plants, animals, and even humans. Parasites have evolved numerous strategies to survive and exploit their hosts, such as living externally or internally, altering the host's behavior, or suppressing the host's immune system.
The act of parasitizing involves the successful establishment of a parasite within a host, followed by the exploitation of the host's resources and potential harm to its well-being. As the parasite benefits from this relationship, it is often at the expense of the host's health, growth, reproductive success, or overall fitness.
In summary, to parasitize means to exploit and depend on another organism (the host) for sustenance and reproduction, resulting in harm or reduced fitness for the host. This is a key mechanism for the survival and proliferation of many species across a wide range of ecosystems.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "parasitize" is derived from the noun "parasite". The noun "parasite" comes from the Latin word "parasitus", which, in turn, is derived from the Greek word "parasitos". In ancient Greek, "parasitos" referred to a person who fed at someone else's table, as in a guest or a dinner companion. Over time, the term began to refer to a person who lived off others without doing any work, resulting in the negative connotation of a "parasite". This metaphorical extension eventually led to the development of the verb "parasitize", which means to live at the expense of others or to exploit a host organism.
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CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
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CONDITIONAL PERFECT
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CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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would have been parasitizing
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would have been parasitizing
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FUTURE
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FUTURE CONTINUOUS
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FUTURE PERFECT
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FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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PAST CONTINUOUS
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PAST PARTICIPLE
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PAST PERFECT
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PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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PRESENT
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PRESENT CONTINUOUS
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PRESENT PARTICIPLE
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PRESENT PERFECT
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