intermediate host
noun
1
: a host which is normally used by a parasite in the course of its life cycle and in which it may multiply asexually but not sexually compare definitive host
2
b
: vector
Examples of intermediate host in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Once there, it’s been known to release proteins that seem to affect the behavior of its intermediate host.
—
Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2024
Vandegrift has speculated that mice might act as an intermediate host, but tests his team did of white-footed mice living near a research colony of deer infected with SARS‐CoV‑2 came back negative.
—Jon Cohen, science.org, 29 Apr. 2024
While cows were an unexpected addition to the list, federal officials noted last week that affected dairy farms had found dead wild birds on their farms, suggesting that wild birds introduced the virus to the cows, not an intermediate host.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 3 Apr. 2024
Environmental transmission can involve another step, either an intermediate host or another sort of reservoir where a pathogen can live between infections.
—Ian Rose, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for intermediate host 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2024
Vandegrift has speculated that mice might act as an intermediate host, but tests his team did of white-footed mice living near a research colony of deer infected with SARS‐CoV‑2 came back negative.
—Jon Cohen, science.org, 29 Apr. 2024
While cows were an unexpected addition to the list, federal officials noted last week that affected dairy farms had found dead wild birds on their farms, suggesting that wild birds introduced the virus to the cows, not an intermediate host.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 3 Apr. 2024
Environmental transmission can involve another step, either an intermediate host or another sort of reservoir where a pathogen can live between infections.
—Ian Rose, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for intermediate host
Dictionary Entries Near intermediate host
Cite this Entry
“Intermediate host.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intermediate%20host. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share