host

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   any organization that provides resources and facilities for a function or event

   Atlanta was chosen to be host for the Olympic Games

2. 2
   verb

   be the host of or for

   We hosted 4 couples last night

3. 3
   noun

   One which receives or entertains a guest, socially, commercially, or officially.

   A good host is always considerate of the guest’s needs.

4. 4
   noun

   A person or organization responsible for running an event.

   Our company is host of the annual conference this year.

5. 5
   noun

   A moderator or master of ceremonies for a performance.

   The host was terrible, but the acts themselves were good.

6. 6
   noun

   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. 7
   noun

   An organism bearing certain genetic material, with respect to its cells.

   The so-called junk DNA is known, so far, to provide no apparent benefit to its host.

8. 8
   verb

   To perform the role of a host.

   Our company will host the annual conference this year.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʰóstis Proto-Indo-European *pótis Proto-Indo-European *gʰóstipotis Proto-Italic *hostipotis Latin hospes Old French ostebor. Middle English hoste English host From Middle English hoste, from Old French oste (French: hôte), from Latin hospitem, accusative of hospes (“a host, also a sojourner, visitor, guest; hence, a foreigner, a stranger”), from *hostipotis, an old compound of hostis and the root of potis, from Proto-Indo-European *gʰóstipotis (“master of guests”), from *gʰóstis (“stranger, guest, enemy”) and *pótis (“owner, master, host, husband”). Used in…