'arithmetics' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'arithmetikos', where 'arithmos' meant 'number'.

'arithmetikos' passed into Latin as 'arithmetica', appeared in Medieval/Old French and Middle English as 'arithmetic', and eventually became the modern English word 'arithmetic' with the plural form 'arithmetics'.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to numbers', but over time it evolved into its current meaning referring to the mathematical discipline of 'the study of numbers and basic operations'.