appel

Appel is a term with multiple meanings across languages. In Dutch and Afrikaans, appel designates the fruit of the cultivated apple tree, Malus domestica, commonly known in English as the apple. The word appears in everyday language, culinary terms, and in references to apple cultivars. Its etymology traces to a Proto-Germanic word for the fruit and is cognate with the English word apple and the German Apfel.

In French, appel means a call, an appeal, or a summons. It is used in phrases such as appel d'offres (a call for bids), appel téléphonique (a telephone call), and faire appel (to appeal or to call upon someone).

In German, the related term Appell (capitalized) denotes an appeal or a roll call and is etymologically linked to the French and Dutch forms. The root also appears in surnames such as Appel and Appell, and in various place names or family names in German- and Dutch-speaking regions.

Beyond these core senses, appel appears as a surname and in brand or place-name contexts. The English-language use of appel is limited, but the term is encountered in cross-linguistic discussions of cognates or in proper names.