'parasitic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'parasitos,' where 'para-' meant 'beside' and 'sitos' meant 'food.'

'parasitos' transformed into the Latin word 'parasitus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'parasitic' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'one who eats at another's table,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to a parasite.'