'aduana' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'ad-dīwān,' where 'ad-' meant 'the' and 'dīwān' meant 'register' or 'office.'

'ad-dīwān' transformed into the Spanish word 'aduana,' and eventually became the modern English word 'aduana' through Spanish influence.

Initially, it meant 'register or office,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'customs office.'