Centum languages are a branch of the Indo-European language family, characterized by their treatment of certain consonants. In these languages, the Proto-Indo-European velar consonants are typically represented as labial or palatal sounds. This group includes languages such as Latin, Greek, and many modern languages like English and German. The term "centum" comes from the Latin word for "hundred," reflecting the way these languages evolved. In contrast, the Satem languages, another branch of the Indo-European family, treat these consonants differently. Understanding centum languages helps linguists trace the historical development of languages and their relationships.