Etymology Map
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Panel

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a flat piece forming part of a surface; a group of experts

Where does the word "panel" come from? It comes from Latin pannus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
pannus
Latin · ancient
"piece of cloth"
the root of 'pane'
2
Stage 2 of 3
panel
Old French · medieval
"piece of cloth"
a list of jurors on parchment
3
Stage 3 of 3
panel
English · 1300s
"cloth piece; jury list"
discussion 'panels' date from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Panel’s story begins in Latin: pannus meant “piece of cloth.” The root of 'pane'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as panel. A list of jurors on parchment. It reached English by 1300s as panel. Discussion 'panels' date from the 1900s. Today, panel means a flat piece forming part of a surface; a group of experts.