Vocabulary Word
Word: parasite
Definition: animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant; CF. para-: beside
Definition: animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant; CF. para-: beside
Sentences Containing 'parasite'
In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.
We see these beautiful co-adaptations most plainly in the woodpecker and the mistletoe; and only a little less plainly in the humblest parasite which clings to the hairs of a quadruped or feathers of a bird; in the structure of the beetle which dives through the water; in the plumed seed which is wafted by the gentlest breeze; in short, we see beautiful adaptations everywhere and in every part of the organic world.
But even some of these so-called epidemics appear to be due to parasitic worms, which have from some cause, possibly in part through facility of diffusion among the crowded animals, been disproportionally favoured: and here comes in a sort of struggle between the parasite and its prey.
This is obvious in the structure of the teeth and talons of the tiger; and in that of the legs and claws of the parasite which clings to the hair on the tiger's body.
More Vocab Words
::: fitful - spasmodic; intermittent; irregular::: benign - kindly; favorable; not malignant (disease); Ex. benign tumor
::: preempt - prevent in advance; head off(forestall); forestall by acting first; appropriate for oneself before others; supplant; take the place of; displace; Ex. preempt any attempts; ADJ. preemptive
::: cadaver - corpse; dead human body
::: explicit - totally clear; definite; outspoken
::: tactile - pertaining to the organs or sense of touch
::: aureole - sun's corona; halo; bright circle of light
::: breach - breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap; opening; V.
::: solace - comfort in sorrow or trouble; consolation; V: comfort or console in time of sorrow or trouble
::: levitate - rise and float in the air (especially by magical means); CF. light
