(adj) of plants or persons; having the nature or habits of a parasite or leech; living off another, Syn. parasitical, bloodsucking, leechlike, Example:a wealthy class parasitic upon the labor of the masses; parasitic vines that strangle the trees; bloodsucking blackmailer; his indolent leechlike existence
{ } a. [ L. parasiticus, Gr. &unr_;: cf. F. parasitique. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
1. Of the nature of a parasite; having the habits of a parasite; fawning for food or favors; sycophantic. “Parasitic preachers.” Milton. Syn. -- leechlike, bloodsucking. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Bot. & Zool.) Of or pertaining to parasites; living on, or deriving nourishment from, some other living animal or plant. See Parasite, 2 & 3. [ 1913 Webster ]