'ascite' originates from 'French', specifically the word 'ascite', ultimately tracing back to Greek roots 'askos' ('bag, sac').

'ascite' changed from the Greek root word 'askos' (meaning 'bag' or 'wineskin') through Late Latin 'ascites' and Old French 'ascite', and eventually entered modern English usage as 'ascite' (related to 'ascites').

Initially, it referred to a 'bag' or 'sac' (from the original Greek sense), but over time it evolved into its current medical meaning of 'accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.'