'abelmusk' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'ḥabb al-misk', where 'ḥabb' meant 'seed' and 'al-misk' meant 'musk'.

'ḥabb al-misk' transformed into the French word 'abelmoschus', and eventually became the modern English word 'abelmusk'.

Initially, it meant 'musk seed', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a plant with musky scent'.