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

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

Initially, it meant 'a plant used in poison', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a plant genus with toxic properties'.