How did the word cereal get its name?

The word "cereal" comes from the Latin word "cerealis", which means "of Ceres". Ceres was the Roman goddess of agriculture and grain.

The term was first used in English in the 18th century to refer to grains in general. Later, it became specifically associated with breakfast cereals, which were named after the grains they were made from (like oats, wheat, and rice).

So, the next time you eat a bowl of cereal, remember that you're enjoying a food named after the Roman goddess of agriculture!