This is the 303rd most frequent French word.
publique
"Publique" means "public" in English.
Here 'publique' connects to 'école' (school), forming an adjective indicating that the school is maintained and funded by the state.
L'école publique offre une éducation gratuite.
The public school offers free education.
Here, 'publique' is part of the noun phrase 'santé publique' (public health), referring to health matters concerning the general population.
La santé publique est une priorité pour le gouvernement.
Public health is a priority for the government.
In this context, 'publique' describes 'réunion' (meeting), indicating that it is open to all members of the public without restriction.