A primary host or definitive host is a host in which the parasite reaches maturity and, if possible, reproduces sexually; A secondary host or intermediate host is a host that harbors the parasite only for a short transition period, during which (usually) some developmental stage is completed; A paratenic host is similar to an intermediate host, only that it is not needed for the parasite's development cycle to progress. Paratenic hosts serve as "dumps" for non-mature stages of a parasite in which they can accumulate in high numbers.