Small portions of food served before the main course of a meal to stimulate hunger or as a snack.
From French 'appétit' (appetite) combined with the suffix '-izer' (something that causes an action). The word emerged in English around 1600 to describe foods meant to awaken the appetite before a larger meal.
Interestingly, while appetizers are meant to stimulate appetite, excessive appetizers can actually reduce hunger for the main course—so restaurants walk a fine line between creating interest and accidentally ruining diners' appetites.
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