leech
nounfeminine/sɐ̃ɡɨˈsuɡɐ/low
san·gues·su·ga
Definition
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.
Leeches were used in ancient medicine for bloodletting.
His cousin is a real leech, always asking for money.
Common collocations
medicinal leechapply a leechbehave like a leech
Etymology
De 'sangue' + 'suga' (do verbo 'sugar').