Meaning

• The people in general, regardless of membership of any particular group.

  "Members of the public may not proceed beyond this point."

• A public house; an inn.

Meaning

• Able to be seen or known by everyone; open to general view, happening without concealment.

• Pertaining to the people as a whole (as opposed to a private group); concerning the whole country, community etc.

• Officially representing the community; carried out or funded by the state on behalf of the community.

• Open to all members of a community; especially, provided by national or local authorities and supported by money from taxes.

• (of a company) Traded publicly via a stock market.

• Accessible to the program in general, not only to the class or any subclasses.