'ascitic' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'asciticus', ultimately from Greek 'askos' where 'askos' meant 'bag' (used for a leather bag or sac).

'ascitic' changed from the medical noun 'ascites' (from Medieval/Latin usage for abdominal fluid accumulation) and was formed into the English adjective 'ascitic' by the addition of the suffix '-ic'.

Initially associated with the notion of a 'bag' or 'sac' (from Greek 'askos'), the term evolved to denote specifically the condition of abdominal fluid accumulation; 'ascitic' now means 'relating to ascites'.