host

host

1. Biology

a. an animal or plant that nourishes and supports a parasite

b. an animal, esp an embryo, into which tissue is experimentally grafted

2. Computing a computer connected to a network and providing facilities to other computers and their users

3. the owner or manager of an inn

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Host

Christian Church the bread consecrated in the Eucharist

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

host

[hōst]

(biology)

An organism on or in which a parasite lives.

The dominant partner of a symbiotic or commensal pair.

(chemistry)

A crystalline lattice or receptor molecule for the strong and selective binding of a cationic, anionic, or neutral organic, inorganic, or biological substance (guest) by means of electrostatic, hydrogen-bonding, van der Waals, or donor-acceptor interactions. Examples include clathrates, crown ethers, cryptands, cyclodextrins, calixarenes, cavitands, cyclophanes, and cryptophanes. Also known as host structure, host substance.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

host

(networking)

A computer connected to a network.

The term node includes devices such as routers and printers which would not normally be called "hosts".

host

(communications)

A computer to which one connects using a terminal emulator.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

host

(1) A source of information or signals. The term can refer to a computer, smartphone, tablet or any electronic device. In a network, clients (users' machines) and servers are hosts because they are both sources of information in contrast to network devices, such as routers and switches, which only direct traffic. See host adapter and hostname.

(2) To have in one's possession. When you "host a computer system," the system is running in your facility. Although sounding inane, it is technically accurate to say "our company hosts many hosts!"

(3) The person in control of a videoconference (a video meeting). The host sets up the meeting and invites participants. During the meeting, the host can invite more people as well as disinvite anyone who is causing a disruption.

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