'acetonitrile' originates from the combination of 'acetone' and 'nitrile', where 'acetone' is derived from the Latin 'acetum' meaning 'vinegar', and 'nitrile' is derived from the Latin 'nitrum' meaning 'sodium carbonate'.

'acetonitrile' was formed by combining the words 'acetone' and 'nitrile' in the 19th century, reflecting its chemical structure and properties.

Initially, it was used to describe a chemical compound with a specific structure, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.