A symbiotic relationship in which one species (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host). Cf.:mutualism, commensalism, symbiosis, metabiosis.
- multiple p. a condition in which parasites of different species parasitize a single host, in contrast to superparasitism (2) or hyperparasitism.
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par·a·sit·ism 'par-ə-sə-.tiz-əm, -.sīt-.iz- n
1) an intimate association between organisms of two or more kinds esp one in which a parasite obtains benefits from a host which it usu. injures
2) PARASITOSIS
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par·a·sit·ism (par″ə-siґtiz-əm) 1. symbiosis in which one population (or individual) adversely affects the other, but cannot live without it. 2. infection or infestation with parasites.Medical dictionary. 2011.