Crossword Genius

See the purpose of a parasite (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

louse

'a parasite' is the definition.
(type of parasitic insect)

'see the purpose' is the wordplay.
'see' becomes 'lo' (archaic exclamation meaning 'look!').
'the purpose' becomes 'use' (synonyms).
'lo'+'use'='LOUSE'

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for louse that I've seen before include "Nit" , "Mean person" , "Wingless bloodsucker" , "Bloodsucking parasitic insect" , "Wingless parasitic insect" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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