'adductor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'adductus,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'ducere' meant 'to lead or draw.'

'adductus' transformed into the French word 'adducteur,' and eventually became the modern English word 'adductor' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to draw toward,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.