A Quick and Simple Dictionary

public

1. Adjective.  Able to be seen or known by everyone; open to general view, happening without concealment. (defdate, from 14th c.) .
2. Adjective.  Pertaining to all the people as a whole (as opposed a private group); concerning the whole country, community etc. (defdate, from 15th c.) .
3. Adjective.  Officially representing the community; carried out or funded by the state on behalf of the community. (defdate, from 15th c.) .
4. Adjective.  Open to all members of a community; especially, provided by national or local authorities and supported by money from taxes. (defdate, from 15th c.) .
5. Adjective.  (context, of a company) Traded publicly via a stock market.
6. Noun.  The people in general, regardless of membership of any particular group.