'alopecia' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'alopekia,' where 'alopex' meant 'fox,' referring to the hair loss seen in foxes due to mange.

'alopekia' transformed into the Latin word 'alopecia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alopecia' through Middle English.

Initially, it referred to hair loss similar to that seen in foxes, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.