palate

the word 'palate' entered english in the late 14th century from the latin 'palatum', which specifically meant the roof of the mouth. its ultimate origin is obscure, though it may be connected to the latin verb 'palare', meaning 'to wander', perhaps evoking the idea of the tongue moving or exploring. the anatomical sense remained primary for centuries. the figurative meaning, denoting a sense of taste or aesthetic appreciation, especially for food and drink, developed in the early 17th century by metaphorical extension, linking the physical organ to its perceived function.

the word is a simplex form. it is derived from the latin 'palatum' meaning 'roof of the mouth', which is of uncertain further origin.