client
UK: ˈklaɪənt | US: ˈklaɪənt
n. a person or organization using the services of a professional (e.g., lawyer, accountant).
n. a customer or buyer of goods or services.
n. (computing) a device or application requesting data from a server.
client = cli<lean, listen> + ent<noun suffix (agent)>
- cli<lean, listen>: From Latin cliens (dependent, follower), derived from clinare (to lean). Reflects the idea of leaning on someone for support or advice.
- ent<noun suffix>: Denotes an agent or person performing an action (e.g., "student").
Etymology Origin:
The word "client" traces back to ancient Rome, where a cliens was a plebeian under the protection of a patrician (a social dependency relationship). Over time, it evolved to signify anyone relying on another’s expertise (e.g., legal or commercial contexts). The core idea of "leaning on trust" persists in modern usage.
The lawyer met with her client to discuss the case.
The company values feedback from its clients.
The software update improved performance for all clients.
He has been a loyal client of this bank for decades.
The architect presented the design to her client.