palate

The story

1. Proto-Indo-European*pleth₂-?
2. Proto-Indo-European*pel-?
3. Proto-Indo-European*pleh₂-os
4. Latinpalātum
5. Old Frenchpalat
6. Middle Englishpalate
7. English todaypalate

From Middle English palate, from Latin palātum (“roof of the mouth, palate”), perhaps of Etruscan origin.

First known use, by meaning

• from 14th c. A part associated with the mouth of certain invertebrates, somewhat analogous to the palate of vertebrates.
• from 14th c. The hypopharynx of an insect.
• from 14th c. A projection in the throat of certain bilabiate flowers as the snapdragon.
• from 14th c. The palate of an animal, as an item of food.
• from 14th c. A person's ability to distinguish between and appreciate different flavors.
• from 15th c. Mental relish; a liking or affinity for something.
• from 20th c. Taste or flavour, especially with reference to wine or other alcoholic drinks.