Apple
/ˈæp.əl/noun
A round fruit produced by an apple tree, typically red, green, or yellow in color.
Did you know?In ancient times, apples were often associated with immortality and forbidden knowledge, famously represented in the tale of Adam and Eve.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ab(e)l
“A term denoting a fruit, possibly with connotations of sweetness and life.”
Old English
Old English
æppel
“Referring to various kinds of fruit, notably the apple as a significant food source.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*aplaz
“A general term for fruit, emphasizing its importance in ancient diets.”
Old Norse
Old Norse
epli
“Used in sagas, often symbolizing prosperity and fertility.”
Middle English
Middle English
appel
“Became more specific to the fruit we know today, laden with cultural significance.”
Modern English
Modern English
apple
“The common term for the fruit, now ubiquitous in symbolism and usage.”