parasite

The definition of a parasite is a person or organism that takes from or exploits others, giving nothing in return.

(noun)

An example of a parasite is tapeworm or ringworm.
An example of a parasite is a person you know who is continually borrowing money and asking things of you without giving anything back.

See parasite in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a person, as in ancient Greece, who flattered and amused the host in return for free meals
a person who lives at the expense of another or others without making any useful contribution or return; hanger-on
Biol. a plant or animal that lives on or in an organism of another species from which it derives sustenance or protection without benefit to, and usually with harmful effects on, the host

Origin: L parasitus < Gr parasitos, one who eats at the table of another, parasite, toady < para-, beside (see para-) + sitos, food, grain

See parasite in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Biology An organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host.
a. One who habitually takes advantage of the generosity of others without making any useful return.
b. One who lives off and flatters the rich; a sycophant.
A professional dinner guest, especially in ancient Greece.

Origin:

Origin: Latin parasītus, a person who lives by amusing the rich

Origin: , from Greek parasītos, person who eats at someone else's table, parasite

Origin: : para-, beside; see para-¹

Origin: + sītos, grain, food

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