definitive host

English

Noun

definitive host (plural definitive hosts)

(ecology) The host in which a parasite reproduces sexually.
Cats are the definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii.
- 2002, Jack Chernin, Parasitology‎, →ISBN, page 14:
  They remain within the intermediate host until it is eaten by the definitive host.

Usage notes

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

host in which parasite reproduces

Finnish: pääisäntä

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