parasitism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the relation between two different kinds of organisms in which one receives benefits from the other by causing damage to it (usually not fatal damage)

WordNet

Par"a*si`tism noun
Etymology
Cf. F. parasitisme.
Definitions
  1. The state or behavior of a parasite; the act of a parasite. "Court parasitism." Milton.
  2. (Bot. & Zoöl.)The state of being parasitic.

Webster 1913