Cytozoic

/ˌsaɪtəˈzoʊɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or describing organisms that live within cells as parasites or symbionts.

Etymology

From cytozoa + -ic (Latin -icus, suffix forming adjectives). Developed in parasitology and microbiology to classify microscopic life forms based on their cellular habitat.

Kelly Says

Cytozoic organisms represent one of evolution's sneakiest strategies—instead of fighting your immune system directly, they hide inside your own cells where antibodies can't reach them. Malaria parasites are masters of this: they spend most of their lifecycle hidden inside your cells, which is why malaria is so hard to shake.

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