public in WordNet English dictionary

1. people in general considered as a whole
   "he is a hero in the eyes of the public"
   populace  public  world 
   
2. a body of people sharing some common interest
   "the reading public"
   public 
   

1. not private; open to or concerning the people as a whole
   "the public good"; "public libraries"; "public funds"; "public parks"; "a public scandal"; "public gardens"; "performers and members of royal families are public figures"
   public 
   
2. affecting the people or community as a whole
   "community leaders"; "community interests"; "the public welfare"
   public