dictionary.pt

dictionary.pt

leech

nounfemininegeneral useuncommon/sɐ̃ɡɨˈsuɡɐ/san·gues·su·ga

Definition

1

1. An annelid worm of the class Hirudinea that feeds on blood, formerly used in medicine. 2. (figurative) A person who exploits or lives off others in an abusive way.

Usage examples

Leeches were used in ancient medicine for bloodletting.
His cousin is a real leech, always asking for money.

Common combinations

medicinal leechapply a leechbehave like a leech