'abductor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abducere,' where 'ab-' meant 'away' and 'ducere' meant 'to lead.'

'abducere' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'abductor,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abductor.'

Initially, it meant 'to lead away,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'muscles that move a limb away from the body's midline.'