a small food or drink served before the main meal to stimulate the appetite.
From French 'appetit' (appetite) plus the suffix '-izer' (one who causes something). The word was adopted into English in the late 1800s as French dining culture influenced English eating.
Appetizers actually work on your nose and eyes before your tongue—the aroma and presentation trigger your brain to release digestive juices and prepare your stomach, which is why a pretty food served with good smells makes you hungrier.
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