'acrylic' originates from the Latin word 'acryl,' which is derived from 'acrolein,' a compound used in the production of acrylic acid.

'acryl' transformed into the English word 'acrylic' in the 20th century as the material became popular in manufacturing and art.

Initially, it referred to the chemical compound, but over time it evolved to include products made from the compound, such as paints and fabrics.