\Par`a*si"ta\, n. pl. [NL.] (Zo["o]l.)
(a) An artificial group formerly made for parasitic insects,
    as lice, ticks, mites, etc.
(b) A division of copepod Crustacea, having a sucking mouth,
    as the lerneans. They are mostly parasites on fishes.
    Called also {Siphonostomata}.