leech

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun carnivorous or bloodsucking aquatic or terrestrial worms typically having a sucker at each end
  2. noun a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage
  3. verb draw blood

Etymology

From Middle English leche (“blood-sucking worm”), from Old English lǣċe (“blood-sucking worm”), akin to Middle Dutch lāke ("blood-sucking worm"; > modern Dutch laak).

In classic literature

Synonyms

bloodsucker, hirudinean

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