'abscise' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abscīdere,' where 'ab-' meant 'away' and 'caedere' meant 'to cut.'

'abscīdere' transformed into the French word 'absciser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abscise' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to cut away,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.