Endoparasitic

/ˌɛndoʊˌpærəˈsɪtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of a parasite that lives inside its host.

Etymology

From endoparasite + Latin '-ic' suffix (relating to). This adjective form emerged as parasitology developed as a scientific field to distinguish different parasite habitats.

Kelly Says

The evolution of endoparasitism required parasites to develop incredible chemical camouflage—they literally fool the host's immune system by hiding molecular markers. Some endoparasites can live in hosts for decades undetected!

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