[par.a.site] n [MF, fr. L parasitus, fr. Gk parasitos, fr. para- + sitos grain, food] (1539) 1: a person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery
2: an organism living in, with, or on another organism in parasitism
3: something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return -- par.a.sit.ic also par.a.sit.i.cal adj -- par.a.sit.i.cal.ly adv syn parasite, sycophant, toady, leech, sponge mean a usu. obsequious flatterer or self-seeker. parasite applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society "a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites". sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation "a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants". toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker "cultivated leaders of society and became their toady". leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage "a leech living off his family and friends". sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger "a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout".