A person or organization that uses the services of a professional, such as a lawyer, designer, or therapist. In computing, it can also mean a program or device that connects to a server.
From Latin "cliens" meaning "follower, dependent, or customer," referring to someone under the protection of a more powerful person. The idea of a protected dependent evolved into a paying customer of a professional.
Originally, a client was almost like a political follower who depended on a powerful patron. The word still carries a hint that the professional is supposed to protect the client’s interests, not just sell to them.
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