host

host

host¹ [hōst]

n.

[ME hoste < OFr hoiste < ML(Ec) hostia, consecrated host < L, animal sacrificed, prob. < hostire, to recompense, requite]

1. a wafer of the bread used in a Eucharistic service

2. [H-] a consecrated Eucharistic wafer

host² [hōst]

n.

[ME hoste < OFr, host, guest < L hospes (gen. hospitis): see HOSPICE]

1. one who entertains guests either at home or elsewhere

2. a person who keeps an inn or hotel; innkeeper

3. a country or area that provides place and services for a competition or event [the city will be host to the Olympics]

4.

a) any organism on or in which a parasitic organism lives for nourishment or protection

b) an individual, esp. an embryo, into which a graft is inserted

5. Comput. the main or central computer in a network

6. Radio TV the person who conducts a program that features informal conversation, interviews, etc.

vi., vt.

to act as host or hostess (for)

host³ [hōst]

n.

[ME < OFr < ML hostis, army, hostile force < L: see HOSPICE]

1. an army

2. a multitude; great number

SYN.- CROWD¹