The Spanish word 'pómulo' (cheekbone) comes from the Latin word 'pomulum', meaning 'small fruit' or 'little apple'. 'Pomulum' itself was formed by combining the Latin word 'pomum' (fruit) with the diminutive suffix '-ulum'. The evolution from meaning 'little apple' to 'cheekbone' likely occurred because of the rounded, apple-like shape of the cheekbone in the human face.

A related Spanish word is 'pomo', which can mean 'pommel' (as in a sword handle) or 'doorknob' - both round, apple-like objects. Another related word is 'manzana' (apple), though this comes from a different Latin word 'mattiana'.

While not commonly used in modern English, the word 'pomaceous' (relating to apples or similar fruits) comes from the same Latin root 'pomum'. More familiar might be 'pomegranate', which literally means 'seeded apple', combining 'pomum' (apple) with 'granatum' (seeded).