'Prunus' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'prūnus,' where 'prūnus' meant 'plum tree.'

'Prunus' was adopted directly from the Latin word 'prūnus' into scientific Latin as the genus name, and it remains the modern English botanical term 'Prunus.'

Initially, it meant 'plum tree,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a genus of trees and shrubs including plums, cherries, peaches, apricots, and almonds.'