n.
Pronunciation: ' per- ə -s ə - ˌ ti-z ə m, - ˌ s ī -, ˌ pa-r ə -
Function: noun
Date: circa 1611
1 : the behavior of a parasite
2 : an intimate association between organisms of two or more kinds especially : one in which a parasite obtains benefits from a host which it usually injures
3 : PARASITOSIS