'acetylation' originates from the word 'acetyl,' which is derived from the Latin word 'acetum,' meaning 'vinegar,' combined with the suffix '-ation,' indicating a process.

'acetyl' changed from the Latin word 'acetum' and eventually became the modern English word 'acetyl' through French influence.

Initially, it referred to the process involving vinegar, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of introducing an acetyl group.