ectozoan
- noun
- /ˌɛktoʊˈzoʊən/
- Specialized
:
ectozoario
- Fleas are a classic example of an ectozoan infesting household pets.
Examples
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The tick, as an ectozoan, remains attached to the skin of its host for a prolonged period.
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Many ectozoans can transmit diseases to their hosts.
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Researchers studied several types of ectozoans affecting livestock in rural areas.
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The ectozoan attached itself to the dog's fur.
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Fleas are a common type of ectozoan found on cats and dogs.
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The ectozoan lived on the bird's feathers, feeding off its skin.
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Many ectozoans can cause irritation and discomfort to their hosts.
Synonyms
111
4.2
A living thing that lives on or inside another living thing and takes food from it
An animal that lives outside another animal and feeds on it, like a flea
A small creature that lives on the outside of another animal like a flea
A creature that lives on the outside of another animal and may harm it
A small animal like fleas and ticks that lives on another animal and feeds on its blood or skin
Surface Forms
Morphology
ectozoan = zoan (semi-transparent) = ecto + zoan
Formally decomposes into 'ecto-' (outside) + the combining form '-zoan' (animal), but '-zoan' is a technical, non-standalone combining form that many learners may not recognise.
Etymology
Ectozoan comes from ecto- meaning 'outside' and -zoan meaning 'animal', and you can think of zoo for animals. So it means an animal that lives on the outside of another animal, like a flea or tick.