panel
UK: ˈpænəl | US: ˈpænəl
n. a flat or curved component, typically rectangular, that forms or is set into the surface of a door, wall, or ceiling.
n. a group of people gathered for discussion or evaluation (e.g., a jury or expert panel).
n. a distinct section of a control surface or instrument (e.g., control panel).
The word "panel" traces back to the Latin pannus (cloth), reflecting its early use to describe a piece of fabric or material. Over time, it evolved in Old French to denote a flat, rectangular segment (e.g., of a door or wall). The suffix -el subtly reinforces the idea of a smaller, defined unit. By the 14th century, "panel" expanded metaphorically to describe groups (e.g., jury panels), likening them to assembled "pieces" of a whole.
The artist painted a beautiful scene on the wooden panel.
The panel of judges unanimously awarded her the first prize.
Check the control panel for any system warnings.
A glass panel shattered during the storm.
The conference featured a panel discussing climate change solutions.