epizoic

/ɛpɪˈzoʊɪk/

Definitions

1. adjective

Living on the surface of another organism

“The epizoic barnacles on the whale’s skin were a nuisance to its health.”

2. noun

A parasite or organism that lives on the surface of another organism

“The epizoic growths on the coral reef were a sign of pollution in the area.”

Synonyms

  • epibiont
  • epizoic
  • parasitic

Antonyms

  • endozoic
  • endozoic