provider
UK: prəˈvaɪdə | US: prəˈvaɪdər
n. a person or entity that supplies goods or services
n. (computing) a component or system that delivers data or functionality
n. (legal) a party responsible for financial support
The word "provider" originates from the Latin providere ("to foresee, supply"), combining pro- ("ahead") and videre ("to see"). The verb "provide" entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its core meaning of "supplying necessities." The suffix -er (from Old English -ere) denotes an agent, transforming the action into a noun for the one who performs it. Thus, a "provider" logically evolved to mean "one who supplies."
The healthcare provider offers free consultations every Wednesday.
Cloud service providers ensure data accessibility from anywhere.
As the sole provider for his family, he works two jobs.
The app connects users with local food providers.
This API acts as a data provider for the analytics dashboard.