parasite

The story

1. Ancient Greek · derived fromπαράσιτος“person who eats at the table of another”
2. Latin · derived fromparasitus
3. Middle French · derived fromparasite
4. English todayparasite

From Middle French parasite, from Latin parasitus, from Ancient Greek παράσιτος (parásitos, “person who eats at the table of another”), from noun use of adjective meaning "feeding beside", from παρά (pará, “beside”) + σῖτος (sîtos, “food”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 16th c. A person who lives on other people's efforts or expense and gives little or nothing back.
• from 19th c. A climbing plant which is supported by a wall, trellis etc.