epibiotic

/ɛpɪˈbaɪɒtɪk/

Definitions

1. noun

A microorganism, such as a bacterium, that lives on the surface of another organism, especially a marine animal.

“The epibiotic organisms found on this coral reef are an important part of the local ecosystem.”

Synonyms

  • epibiont
  • surface-dwelling microorganism

Antonyms

  • endobiotic
  • internal parasite