'aethusa' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'aithousa,' where 'aitho' meant 'to burn' or 'to blaze,' referring to the plant's toxic properties.

'aithousa' transformed into the Latin word 'aethusa,' and eventually became the modern English word 'aethusa.'

Initially, it referred to a plant with burning or toxic properties, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.