Accidental Host
- Pronunciation
- /ak-sid-en-tl hohst/
- Category
- Parasitology
- Singular
- Accidental Host
- Plural
- Accidental Hosts
Definition
A host in which the pathogenic microorganism (or parasite) is not commonly found.
Etymology
From accidental, meaning 'occurring unexpectedly', and host, meaning 'living organism that harbors another organism.'
Example
A bird might serve as an accidental host for a parasite normally found in mammals.