'aconite' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aconitum', where 'akon' meant 'dart' or 'javelin', referring to the plant's use in poisoning arrows.

'aconitum' transformed into the Old French word 'aconit', and eventually became the modern English word 'aconite'.

Initially, it meant 'a plant used for poison', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a plant of the buttercup family'.