Host
WordNet

noun


(1)   An animal or plant that nourishes and supports a parasite; it does not benefit and is often harmed by the association
(2)   (computer science) a computer that provides client stations with access to files and printers as shared resources to a computer network
(3)   A technical name for the bread used in the service of Mass or Holy Communion
(4)   A vast multitude
(5)   Archaic terms for army
(6)   Any organization that provides resources and facilities for a function or event
"Atlanta was chosen to be host for the Olympic Games"
(7)   The owner or manager of an inn
(8)   A person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
(9)   (medicine) recipient of transplanted tissue or organ from a donor
(10)   A person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)

verb


(11)   Be the host of or for
"We hosted 4 couples last night"
WiktionaryText

Etymology 1


From from Middle , accusative of , probably contr. of orig. } < + . Used in English since 13th Century.

Noun


  1. A person who allows a guest, particularly into the host’s home.
    A good host is always considerate of the guest’s needs.
  2. A person or organization responsible for running an event.
    Our company is host of the annual conference this year.
  3. A moderator or master of ceremonies for a performance.
    The host was terrible, but the acts themselves were good.
  4. Any computer attached to a network.
  5. A computer or software component that provides services.
    This machine is the host of the name server.
  6. A cell or organism which harbors another organism or biological entity, usually a parasite.
    Viruses depend on the host that they infect in order to be able to reproduce
  7. An organism bearing certain genetic material.
    The so-called junk DNA provides no benefit to its host.

Related terms

Verb



  1. To perform the role of a host.
    Our company will host the annual conference this year.
    I was terrible at hosting that show.
    I’ll be hosting tonight. I hope I’m not terrible.
    Kremvax hosts a variety of services.
  2. To run software made available to a remote user or process.
    • 1987 May 7, Selden E. Ball, Jr., Re: Ethernet Terminal Concentrators, comp.protocols.tcp-ip, Usenet
      CMU/TEK TCP/IP software uses an excessive amount of cpu resources for terminal support both outbound, when accessing another system, and inbound, when the local system is hosting a session.

Etymology 2


From , from Middle (as opposed to ), cognate with etymology 1.

Noun



  1. A multitude of people arrayed as an army; used also in religious senses, as: Heavenly host (of angels)
    • 2001, Carlos Parada, Hesione 2, Greek Mythology Link
      the invading host that had sailed from Hellas in more than one thousand ships was of an unprecedented size.
  2. A large number of items; a large inventory.
    A host of parts for my Model A.

Etymology 3


From also , , from , from .

Noun



  1. The consecrated bread or wafer of the Eucharist.
 
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