'ampulate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'amputare,' where 'am-' meant 'off' and 'putare' meant 'to prune or cut.'

'amputare' transformed into the French word 'amputer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'amputate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to cut off a limb,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.