leite

Leite is masculine. While it does derive from Latin "lactis" (milk), a neuter noun, the explanation of gender inheritance is problematic. In Portuguese, Latin neuter nouns typically became feminine (e.g., Latin "vinum" → Portuguese "vinho" is actually masculine due to the -o ending, but many neuters became feminine). "Leite" is masculine primarily because it follows the productive masculine pattern of Portuguese -e nouns (like "pele", "nome", etc.), though the exact gender transmission from Latin neuter to Portuguese masculine through sound changes is not clearly established in standard etymological accounts. The rule should acknowledge this as a common pattern for -e nouns rather than presenting it as a well-documented etymological process.