'alhacena' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'al-khazina,' where 'al-' meant 'the' and 'khazina' meant 'treasury' or 'storehouse.'

'al-khazina' transformed into the Spanish word 'alhacena,' and eventually became used in English to describe a cupboard or pantry.

Initially, it meant 'storehouse' or 'treasury,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'cupboard' or 'pantry.'