'abrin' originates from the plant name 'Abrus precatorius', where 'Abrus' is derived from the Greek word 'habros', meaning 'graceful' or 'delicate'.

The term 'abrin' was derived from the scientific name of the plant, 'Abrus precatorius', and has been used in scientific contexts to describe the toxic protein found in its seeds.

Initially, it referred specifically to the protein found in the seeds of the rosary pea, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.