host1
¦ noun
1. a person who receives or entertains other people as guests.
the presenter of a television or radio programme.
2. Biology an animal or plant on or in which a parasite or commensal organism lives.
3. the recipient of transplanted tissue or a transplanted organ.
4. a computer which mediates multiple access to databases or provides other services to a network.
5. an area in which particular people or things are found: the reef is host to shoals of fish.
¦ verb act as host at (an event) or for (a television or radio programme).
Origin
ME: from OFr. hoste, from L. hospes, hospit- 'host, guest'.
--------
host2
¦ noun
1. (a host/hosts of) a large number of.
2. archaic an army.
Origin
ME: from OFr. ost, hoost, from L. hostis 'stranger, enemy' (in med. L. 'army').
--------
host3
¦ noun (the Host) the bread consecrated in the Eucharist.
Origin
ME: from OFr. hoiste, from L. hostia 'victim'.