parasitoid

noun

par·​a·​sit·​oid ˈper-ə-sə-ˌtȯid 

-ˌsī-,

ˈpa-rə-

: an insect and especially a wasp that completes its larval development within the body of another insect eventually killing it and is free-living as an adult

parasitoid adjective

Examples of parasitoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This sentence was edited after posting to correct the description of researchers evaluating parasitoids. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2024

Tomato Companion Plants To Attract Beneficial Insects Planting flowers to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects is a great way to diversify the garden and enhance natural pest control by predators and parasitoids. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2024

Cilantro flowers are very small, perfect for attracting parasitoids and predators that feed on garden pests like Colorado potato beetle and tomato fruitworms. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2024

The system is further complicated by other players, including ladybug beetles, white halo fungus and a parasitoid fly that limits ant numbers. —Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

parasitoid

1 of 2 adjective

par·​a·​sit·​oid ˈpar-ə-sə-ˌtȯid  -ˌsīt-ˌȯid 

1

: resembling a parasite

2

: being a parasitoid

parasitoid

2 of 2 noun

: an insect and especially a wasp that completes its larval development within the body of another insect which it eventually kills and that is free-living as an adult