parasite crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "parasite crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you pick the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "parasite crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TICK: A small arachnid that lives by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians.
FLEA: A parasitic insect which lives on the external surface of the host and feeds on its blood.
WORM: A general term for various invertebrate animals, some of which are parasitic, like tapeworms or roundworms.
5 Letters
LEECH: A segmented parasitic worm, typically aquatic, which sucks blood from its host.
LOUSE: A small, wingless, parasitic insect that lives on mammals and birds, feeding on blood or skin debris.
VIRUS: A microscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism.
6 Letters
AMOEBA: A type of protozoan, some species of which can be parasitic, causing diseases like amoebic dysentery.
7 Letters
SCABIES: An intensely itchy skin condition caused by a tiny, burrowing mite.
More About "parasite crossword clue"
The term "parasite" in biology refers to an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host. This relationship is a form of symbiosis where one organism (the parasite) benefits, and the other (the host) is harmed. Crossword clues for "parasite" often tap into this core definition, leading to a variety of answers from the animal kingdom, and sometimes even the microscopic world.
Common parasitic organisms include insects like fleas and lice, arachnids such as ticks and mites, and various types of worms like tapeworms or bloodworms. The diversity of parasitic life means that a clue like "parasite" can have many possible solutions depending on the puzzle's theme, difficulty, and the required length of the answer. Understanding the broad scope of parasitic organisms is key to tackling such clues effectively.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Cross-References: Always look at the intersecting words. If you have a few letters from a crossing clue, it can drastically narrow down the possibilities for "parasite."
- Consider the Source: Different crossword constructors and publications might lean towards certain types of answers. A scientific puzzle might favor biological terms like AMOEBA, while a general-knowledge puzzle might prefer common pests like FLEA.
- Think Beyond Animals: While many parasites are animals, don't forget microscopic entities like viruses or even parasitic plants like mistletoe (though less common for a single-word "parasite" clue, it's good to keep in mind for related clues).
- Match the Tone: Some crosswords use playful or tricky clues. If the clue feels like a pun or a riddle, the answer might be less straightforward than a direct synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for 'parasite' in crosswords?
Common answers for 'parasite' often include shorter words like TICK, FLEA, or LOUSE, as they are versatile and fit various letter counts. However, the best answer always depends on the specific context and letter count required by the puzzle.
Are viruses considered parasites in crosswords?
Yes, in many crossword contexts, VIRUS is considered a valid answer for a 'parasite' clue. While biologically complex, viruses replicate by exploiting host cells, fulfilling a parasitic role in a broad sense that is acceptable for crossword puzzles.
How can I figure out the letter count for a crossword answer?
The number of letters for a crossword answer is typically indicated by the grid itself or by numbering next to the clue. If you're solving digitally, the interface usually highlights the number of boxes available for the answer, indicating the exact letter count you need.