'anise-free' originates from the English word 'anise,' which refers to a plant known for its licorice-like flavor, combined with 'free,' indicating absence.

'Anise' comes from the Latin word 'anisum,' which was derived from the Greek 'anison.' The term 'free' has Old English origins from 'freo,' meaning not in bondage.

Initially, 'anise' referred to the plant itself, but in 'anise-free,' it denotes the absence of its flavor.