PAR·A·SIT·ISM

   [par-uh-sahy-tiz-uhm, -si-]  Show IPA

–noun

1.

Biology. a relation between organisms in which one lives as a parasite on another.

2.

a parasitic mode of life or existence.

3.

Pathology. a diseased condition due to parasites.

4.

(in some totalitarian countries)

a.

unemployment or refusal to work.

b.

employment in work considered nonessential by the state.

Origin: 
1605–15; parasite + -ism