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parásito means parasite — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 3, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

parásito

noun • /[pa-RA-si-to]/

parasite

Example:

El parásito vive en el intestino.

The parasite lives in the intestine.

🧠 What does parásito mean?

A parásito is an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense. This term is frequently used in medical contexts to describe organisms that cause disease in humans or animals. Parásitos can range from microscopic single-celled organisms, like protozoa, to larger multicellular organisms, such as worms (helminths) and arthropods, like ticks and lice.

📚 Extra examples

  • El médico diagnosticó una infección por parásitos intestinales.
    The doctor diagnosed an intestinal parasite infection.
  • La malaria es una enfermedad causada por un parásito transmitido por mosquitos.
    Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes.
  • Se deben tomar precauciones para evitar la exposición a parásitos en aguas no tratadas.
    Precautions must be taken to avoid exposure to parasites in untreated water.
  • Los animales domésticos pueden ser portadores de parásitos que afecten a los humanos.
    Domestic pets can be carriers of parasites that affect humans.

💡 Did You Know?

The term 'parásito' originates from the ancient Greek word 'parasitos', which described a banquet guest or someone who lived at another's expense. This dual meaning, both biological and social, persists in modern Spanish.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "parásito"

Synonyms: organismo, microorganismo, infestación
Opposites: huésped, hospedador

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'parasite' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'parasite' is parásito.
How do you pronounce 'parásito' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'parásito' is pa-RA-see-toh. The stress is on the second syllable, 'RA'.
How do you use 'parásito' in a sentence?
You can use 'parásito' in a sentence by referring to an organism that lives off a host, or in a medical context to describe disease-causing organisms. For example: 'Los niños pequeños son más susceptibles a las infecciones por parásitos.' (Young children are more susceptible to parasite infections.)
What is the English translation of 'parásito'?
The English translation of 'parásito' is parasite.
Does 'parásito' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'parásito' is a masculine noun. In the plural, it becomes 'parásitos'. For example, 'un parásito' (a parasite) and 'varios parásitos' (several parasites).
Is 'parásito' common in everyday Spanish?
While the word 'parásito' is understood, its direct usage in everyday conversation might be less frequent unless discussing health, biology, or in a metaphorical sense. However, it is a standard term in medical and scientific contexts.
Does 'parásito' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, 'parásito' can also be used metaphorically in a derogatory way to refer to a person who lives off the efforts of others, similar to the English slang 'freeloader' or 'scrounger'. For example, 'Ese vago es un parásito.' (That lazy person is a parasite.)
Is 'parásito' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The primary meaning of 'parásito' as an organism is consistent across all Spanish-speaking regions. The metaphorical or slang usage also exists in both Spain and Latin America, though regional variations in specific derogatory terms might occur.

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