An appetizer is a finger food served before a meal to stimulate the appetite and to excite the palate. (The term may be used interchangeably with the French term "hors d'oeuvre.") A variety of foods, hot or cold, including dips, spreads, canapès, cruditès and pâtès, may be served as appetizers. (See also Canapè, Cruditès, Pâtè)