definitive host
English edit
Noun edit
definitive host (plural definitive hosts)
- (ecology) The host in which a parasite reproduces sexually.
- Cats are the definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii.
Usage notes edit
- A plural noun representing all members of a species might be paired with definitive host in the singular. Both "coyotes are definitive hosts of Neospora caninum" and "opossums are the definitive host of S. neurona" appear in the literature.
Translations edit
host in which parasite reproduces
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