What is the Latin word for parasite?

The usual Latin words for “parasite” are parasītus, parasīticus, mōs. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“parasite” in Latin

parasītusguest; sponger, parasite, freeloader parasīticusparasitic mōsway or manner (of behaving); behavior; conduct; custom; habit; practice; usage; wont; character; disposition; inclinatio

The English word parasite itself goes back to Latin parasītus.

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

parasite

parasitus: of or belonging to a parasite, parasiticus: to play the parasite, parasitari (Plaut.): like a parasite, more or modo parasiti.

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for parasite?: The usual Latin words for “parasite” are parasītus, parasīticus, mōs. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.