Definitions of public:

• noun:   a body of people sharing some common interest

  Example: "The reading public"

• noun:   people in general considered as a whole

  Example: "He is a hero in the eyes of the public"

• adjective:   not private; open to or concerning the people as a whole

  Example: "The public good"

• adjective:   affecting the people or community as a whole

  Example: "The public welfare"

• name:  A surname (very rare: popularity rank in the U.S.: #79534)