'alisanders' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'olusatrum', where 'olus' meant 'vegetable' and 'atrum' meant 'black'.

'olusatrum' transformed into the Old French word 'alizandre', and eventually became the modern English word 'alisanders'.

Initially, it meant 'black vegetable', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a specific plant used in cooking.