Main Entry: ¹pub·lic

Pronunciation: \ˈpə-blik\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English publique, from Anglo-French, from Latin publicus; akin to Latin populus people

Date: 14th century

1 a : exposed to general view : open b : well-known, prominent c : perceptible, material
2 a : of, relating to, or affecting all the people or the whole area of a nation or state <public law> b : of or relating to a government c : of, relating to, or being in the service of the community or nation
3 a : of or relating to people in general : universal b : general, popular
4 : of or relating to business or community interests as opposed to private affairs : social
5 : devoted to the general or national welfare : humanitarian
6 a : accessible to or shared by all members of the community b : capitalized in shares that can be freely traded on the open market —often used with go
7 : supported by public funds and private contributions rather than by income from commercials <public radio> <public television>

— pub·lic·ness noun