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

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

Initially, it meant 'a plant used for poison', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.