'achene' originates from the Greek word 'akaina,' where 'a-' meant 'without' and 'kaina' meant 'thorn.'

'akaina' transformed into the French word 'achène,' and eventually became the modern English word 'achene' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a small, dry, one-seeded fruit,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.