Painel

Painel is a Portuguese noun that designates a flat, typically rectangular surface used to display information, control devices, or serve as a decorative or protective feature. The term also refers to a group of people brought together to discuss, judge, or present on a topic. The word is widely used across fields, from everyday objects to technical and institutional contexts.

In architecture, interior design, and furniture, painel refers to a decorative or functional surface such as a wooden paneling or a decorative panel, for example painel de madeira or painel decorativo. In engineering and electronics, it denotes a control or display surface, including painel elétrico (electrical panel), painel de instrumentos (instrument panel), and painel de controle (control panel). In energy and technology, painel solar (solar panel) and painel fotovoltaico are common terms. In computing and software, painel de controle or painel de administração designates a user interface that groups configuration options or management tools. In signage and public information, painel informativo or painel de avisos is a display with notices, directions, or data.

In arts and culture, a painel can be a painting or fresco executed on a wooden panel or similar surface. In the context of events and media, a painel refers to a panel of experts or speakers assembled to discuss a topic, such as um painel de especialistas. The term is cognate with similar words in other languages and is widely used in Portuguese-speaking regions.