'amadou' originates from French, specifically the word 'amadou', where 'amadouer' meant 'to allure or entice'.

'amadou' changed from the French word 'amadouer' and eventually became the modern English word 'amadou'.

Initially, it meant 'to allure or entice', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a spongy, flammable substance used as tinder'.