parasite crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "parasite" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "parasite crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TICK: A small arachnid, some species of which transmit diseases to humans and animals.
FLEA: A small, wingless, jumping insect that feeds on the blood of mammals and birds.
MITE: A tiny arachnid, some types are parasitic on plants or animals.
5 Letters
LOUSE: A small, wingless, parasitic insect that lives on the skin of mammals and birds.
LEECH: A segmented parasitic worm that attaches to a host and sucks blood.
6 Letters
AMOEBA: A single-celled organism, some species of which can cause diseases in humans.
7 Letters
SCABIES: A contagious skin condition caused by a microscopic mite.
8 Letters
TAPEWORM: A parasitic flatworm that lives in the intestines of humans and other vertebrates.
NEMATODE: A roundworm, many species of which are parasitic in animals or plants.
10 Letters
PLASMODIUM: A genus of parasitic protozoa, including those causing malaria.
12 Letters
ECTOPARASITE: A parasite, such as a flea, that lives on the exterior of its host.
ENDOPARASITE: A parasite, such as a tapeworm, that lives inside its host.
More About "parasite crossword clue"
"Parasite" is a remarkably common and versatile clue in crosswords, often appearing across various difficulty levels. This is due to the broad nature of the term, encompassing a vast array of organisms from microscopic protozoa to visible insects and worms. Crossword setters love this clue because it allows for numerous correct answers, fitting different letter counts within the grid. Identifying the right answer often depends on the number of letters and any additional context provided in the clue.
From tiny "mites" to larger "tapeworms" or "leeches," the biological world offers a rich vocabulary for this particular clue. Common categories include parasitic insects (like "fleas" or "lice," often shortened to "louse"), arachnids ("ticks," "mites"), and various types of worms ("tapeworm," "nematode"). Sometimes, the clue might be more specific, like "intestinal parasite" or "blood-sucking parasite," which helps narrow down the possibilities significantly.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to provide you with all these possibilities in one easy-to-use resource. By seeing answers grouped by their length, you can quickly scan for the perfect fit for your puzzle, ensuring you're never stuck on a "parasite" clue again!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the required letter count with our provided solutions. This is the fastest way to eliminate many incorrect answers for a broad clue like "parasite."
- Look for Specific Modifiers: Pay close attention to any adjectives or phrases in the clue (e.g., "blood-sucking," "intestinal," "plant") as they often point to a more specific type of parasite.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from other clues. These intersecting letters can confirm your choice or help you deduce the correct answer among similar-length options.
- Consider Common Crossword Answers: Some words are crossword staples. Over time, you'll learn to recognize common answers for recurring themes like animals or scientific terms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for "parasite" in crosswords?
The term "parasite" is broad, encompassing various organisms of different sizes and types (insects, worms, protozoa), making it a versatile clue for setters to match different letter counts.
How do I know which "parasite" answer is correct in my puzzle?
The key is the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues. Sometimes, the clue might provide a hint, like "blood-sucking parasite" or "intestinal parasite," guiding you to a specific type.
Are there non-biological meanings of "parasite" used in crosswords?
While less common, "parasite" can sometimes refer metaphorically to someone who lives off others, a "freeloader" or "sycophant." However, in most puzzles, it refers to the biological organism.