'acetabulum' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'acetabulum', where 'acetum' meant 'vinegar' and '-bulum' was a suffix used to denote a container.

'acetabulum' has remained largely unchanged from its Latin origins, retaining its meaning as a container or socket.

Initially, it meant 'a small vinegar cup', but over time it evolved into its current anatomical meaning of 'hip socket'.