definitive host
English
editNoun
editdefinitive 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
edithost in which parasite reproduces
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