'absohm' originates from the combination of 'absolute' and 'ohm', where 'absolute' refers to the CGS system and 'ohm' is the unit of electrical resistance.

'absohm' was coined in the early 20th century to provide a CGS unit for electrical resistance, distinct from the SI unit 'ohm'.

Initially, it was used to measure resistance in the CGS system, and this meaning has remained consistent.