Symbiont vs. Parasite — What's the Difference?

An organism in a symbiotic relationship. Also called symbiote.

(Biology) An organism that lives and feeds on or in an organism of a different species and causes harm to its host.

(ecology) An organism that lives in a symbiotic relationship.

One who habitually takes advantage of the generosity of others without making any useful return.

One who lives off and flatters the rich; a sycophant.

A professional dinner guest, especially in ancient Greece.

(pejorative) A person who lives on other people's efforts or expense and gives little or nothing back.

(pejorative) A sycophant or hanger-on.

(biology) An organism that lives on or in another organism of a different species, deriving benefit from living on or in that other organism, while not contributing towards that other organism sufficiently to cover the cost to that other organism.

A climbing plant which is supported by a wall, trellis etc.

(historical) A retainer or companion of an ancient Celtic warrior, who praised him in song or poetry at gatherings; a bard.

(aviation) A component of a composite aircraft which is carried aloft and air-launched by a larger carrier aircraft or mother ship to support the primary mission of the carrier.

One who frequents the tables of the rich, or who lives at another's expense, and earns his welcome by flattery; a hanger-on; a toady; a sycophant.

A plant obtaining nourishment immediately from other plants to which it attaches itself, and whose juices it absorbs; - sometimes, but erroneously, called epiphyte.

An animal which lives during the whole or part of its existence on or in the body of some other animal, feeding upon its food, blood, or tissues, as lice, tapeworms, etc.

An animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant); the parasite obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host

A follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage