'aftosa' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'aphtha', where 'aphtha' meant 'eruption' or 'ulcer'.

'aphtha' transformed into the Latin word 'aphthae', and eventually became the modern English word 'aftosa' through medical terminology.

Initially, it meant 'eruption or ulcer', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a condition characterized by ulcers'.