WordWeb Online

1. An animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant); it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host
    
2. A follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage
   - leech, sponge, sponger

Derived forms: parasites

See also: parasitic

Type of: being, follower, organism

Antonym: host

Encyclopedia: Parasite