epizoic

English

Alternative forms

• epizooic

Etymology

From international scientific vocabulary, from New Latin, from epizoon +‎ -ic = epi- +‎ zoic.

Adjective

epizoic (not comparable)

1. (biology, of a microorganism) Growing on the surface of an animal host, as:
   1. (usually) In a nonparasitic way, using an animal's skin as a microhabitat.
   2. (less commonly) In a parasitic way, as an external parasite.

Usage notes

Do not confuse epizooic or epizoic (epi- + zoo- + -ic) with epizootic (epi- + zoo- + -otic).

Hypernyms

• epibiotic

Related terms

• epizoism

Translations

growing on the surface of an animal host

• Italian: epizoico (it)