'alkyne' originates from the combination of 'alkyl' and the suffix '-yne', which is used to denote hydrocarbons with triple bonds.

The term 'alkyne' was coined in the late 19th century to describe hydrocarbons with triple bonds, evolving from the earlier term 'acetylene'.

Initially, it referred specifically to 'acetylene', but over time it evolved to include all hydrocarbons with a carbon-carbon triple bond.