para-, par-

Referring to something that is caused by parasites: Some diseases, like tick-borne encephalitis and plague, are characterized as being parasitogenic afflictions.

An organism that is a parasite during part of its life cycle: An insect, particularly a wasp, is a parasitoid in that it completes its larval growth inside a host of another insect, and finally kills it., and then is then free-living as an adult organism.

An expert in parasitology: Dr. Smart was a parasitologist and was the best specialist in the field of parasites at the university.

The science or study of parasites and parasitism: Parasitology is a field of biology that specializes in parasites, particularly those of animals and plants.

An irrational dread of parasites: The middle-aged Mrs. Thompson went to her family doctor yet again describing the symptoms of an infestation being under her skin or inside her body, but after being thoroughly examined, the doctor didn't find any such disorder and diagnosed her as having parasitophobia!

A parasite city; a city that is overdeveloped and economically non-productive. In the article, David read about a parasitopolis, a metropolis that had developed to an excessive degree and not productively generative.

Infection or infestation with parasites: Sally was diagnosed with a very bad case of intestinal parasitosis which had to be treated in hospital.

A substance that havs a special affinity for parasites: A parasitotrope designates an active ingredient, a substance or agent, or an organism that has a certain attraction for parasites.

The affinity of a drug for infective parasites: Parasitotropy depicts the attraction of certain substances for parasites, but also includes micro parasites that infect larger parasites.

1. Any kind of malfunction or disorder of sleep rhythm which is caused by a disease of the central nervous system: It was very dangerous for Grace to spend the night alone in her two-story house because when she had attacks of parasomnia, she would get up and walk around in her sleep!
2. Etymology: from Greek para, "irregular, abnormal" or "faulty" + Latin somnia, "sleep".

1. When one symbiont damages another. It is similar to parasitism.
2. The ability of two different types of organisms to exist closely with one another without giving an advantage or disadvantage to the other.
3. The relationship between a free-living lichen and another lichen or fungus which infests it and establishes a symbiotic relationship with the algae of the lichen.